The Power of God: A Faith that Forms

>> We were all designed for an everyday >> We were all designed for an everyday relationship with Jesus. And Romans is relationship with Jesus. And Romans is relationship with Jesus. And Romans is packed with truth and hope that helps us packed with truth and hope that helps us packed with truth and hope that helps us deepen that relationship. But reading it deepen that relationship. But reading it deepen that relationship. But reading it on our own can leave you with questions. on our own can leave you with questions. on our own can leave you with questions. To deepen our understanding of God's To deepen our understanding of God's To deepen our understanding of God's word, let's open Romans together. As we word, let's open Romans together. As we word, let's open Romans together. As we journey through this book, we'll uncover journey through this book, we'll uncover journey through this book, we'll uncover fundamental theology about sin, fundamental theology about sin, fundamental theology about sin, salvation, and sacrifice. We'll discuss salvation, and sacrifice. We'll discuss salvation, and sacrifice. We'll discuss complex concepts like justification and complex concepts like justification and complex concepts like justification and predestination and talk about topics predestination and talk about topics predestination and talk about topics Paul noticed in the first century church Paul noticed in the first century church Paul noticed in the first century church that are [music] still relevant to us that are [music] still relevant to us that are [music] still relevant to us today like politics, race, and today like politics, race, and today like politics, race, and disagreements with fellow Christians. disagreements with fellow Christians. disagreements with fellow Christians. Each week, you'll hear from different Each week, you'll hear from different Each week, you'll hear from different voices through short videos that voices through short videos that voices through short videos that highlight key themes from Romans and highlight key themes from Romans and highlight key themes from Romans and [music] unpack what Paul is teaching. [music] unpack what Paul is teaching. [music] unpack what Paul is teaching. Each week, we'll help you move from Each week, we'll help you move from Each week, we'll help you move from learning what scripture says to learning what scripture says to learning what scripture says to understanding what it means and understanding what it means and understanding what it means and ultimately to living [music] it out in ultimately to living [music] it out in ultimately to living [music] it out in your everyday life. Disciplehip was your everyday life. Disciplehip was your everyday life. Disciplehip was never meant to happen alone and Romans never meant to happen alone and Romans never meant to happen alone and Romans has so much for us to discover. So, has so much for us to discover. So, has so much for us to discover. So, let's dive in together.

Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] If you want to stand with me, we're If you want to stand with me, we're about to start singing and we're going about to start singing and we're going about to start singing and we're going to sing a new song this [music] morning. to sing a new song this [music] morning. to sing a new song this [music] morning. And I encourage you before you learn the And I encourage you before you learn the And I encourage you before you learn the words, before you get the melody [music] words, before you get the melody [music] words, before you get the melody [music] down, let's already decide. We're going down, let's already decide. We're going down, let's already decide. We're going to participate because we're singing to participate because we're singing to participate because we're singing about freedom this morning. And in about freedom this morning. And in about freedom this morning. And in Galatians 5:1, [music] Paul writes and Galatians 5:1, [music] Paul writes and Galatians 5:1, [music] Paul writes and he says, "It is for freedom that Christ he says, "It is for freedom that Christ he says, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free." So I encourage you, has set us free." So I encourage you, has set us free." So I encourage you, [music] ask God to remind you of the [music] ask God to remind you of the [music] ask God to remind you of the ways that he has set you free, your ways that he has set you free, your ways that he has set you free, your salvation, maybe it's your family, and salvation, maybe it's your family, and salvation, maybe it's your family, and channel that. We're going to sing about channel that. We're going to sing about channel that. We're going to sing about [music] his freedom today. So come on, [music] his freedom today. So come on, [music] his freedom today. So come on, get ready. Stir your soul.

get ready. Stir your soul. get ready. Stir your soul. [music] I'm shaking [music] off the heaviness. I'm shaking [music] off the heaviness. I'm dancing out [singing] of my regrets. I'm dancing out [singing] of my regrets. I'm dancing out [singing] of my regrets. [music] I'm throwing caution to the [music] I'm throwing caution to the [music] I'm throwing caution to the wind. [singing] No, I [music] am not ashamed to praise No, I [music] am not ashamed to praise like this. Someone say it's foolishness, like this. Someone say it's foolishness, like this. Someone say it's foolishness, [music] but I say it's worth the risk. but I say it's worth the risk. I can't forget what Jesus did. I can't forget what Jesus did. I can't forget what Jesus did. No, I am not ashamed to praise [music] No, I am not ashamed to praise [music] No, I am not ashamed to praise [music] my face. Where are [singing] those my face. Where are [singing] those my face. Where are [singing] those chains I once held? I'm free. I'm chains I once held? I'm free. I'm chains I once held? I'm free. I'm [music] free. I'm free. I'm free. My sin [music] free. I'm free. I'm free. My sin [music] free. I'm free. I'm free. My sin is gone. I'm getting you. I'm free. I'm is gone. I'm getting you. I'm free. I'm is gone. I'm getting you. I'm free. I'm free. I'm [music] free. I'm free. Look free. I'm [music] free. I'm free. Look free. I'm [music] free. I'm free. Look at what the Lord has done. I'll never go at what the Lord has done. I'll never go at what the Lord has done. I'll never go back to [music] the way I was. I'll sing back to [music] the way I was. I'll sing back to [music] the way I was. I'll sing all day cuz I'll [music] be I'm free.

all day cuz I'll [music] be I'm free. all day cuz I'll [music] be I'm free. I'm free. Thank God I'm free. I found a friend that never quit. I found a friend that never quit. No [music] No [music] No [music] as good as this. as good as this. as good as this. And I don't care what anyone says. And I don't care what anyone says. And I don't care what anyone says. [music] I'll never be ashamed to praise [music] I'll never be ashamed to praise [music] I'll never be ashamed to praise my face. Where [music] are those chains my face. Where [music] are those chains my face. Where [music] are those chains I once held? I'm free. I'm free. [music] I once held? I'm free. I'm free. [music] I once held? I'm free. I'm free. [music] I'm free. I'm free. My sin is gone. How I'm free. I'm free. My sin is gone. How I'm free. I'm free. My sin is gone. How can it be? I'm free. I'm free. [music] can it be? I'm free. I'm free. [music] can it be? I'm free. I'm free. [music] I'm free. I'm free. Look at what the I'm free. I'm free. Look at what the I'm free. I'm free. Look at what the Lord has done. I'm never going back Lord has done. I'm never going back Lord has done. I'm never going back [music] to the way I was. I'll sing all [music] to the way I was. I'll sing all [music] to the way I was. I'll sing all day cuz I'm day cuz I'm day cuz I'm free. I'm free. Thank [music] God I'm free. I'm free. Thank [music] God I'm free. I'm free. Thank [music] God I'm free. You took the cross and you broke free. You took the cross and you broke free. You took the cross and you broke your body. your body. your body. You [music] shed your blood. Now the You [music] shed your blood. Now the You [music] shed your blood. Now the sinner [singing] can't see. My debt is sinner [singing] can't see. My debt is sinner [singing] can't see. My debt is paid and my record is clean. I couldn't paid and my record is clean. I couldn't paid and my record is clean. I couldn't do it so you did [music] it for me.

do it so you did [music] it for me. do it so you did [music] it for me. You took the cross and you broke your You took the cross and you broke your You took the cross and you broke your body. body. body. You shed your blood. [music] Now the You shed your blood. [music] Now the You shed your blood. [music] Now the sinner can't see. My debt is paid and my sinner can't see. My debt is paid and my sinner can't see. My debt is paid and my record is record is record is I couldn't [music] do it. Hey, you took I couldn't [music] do it. Hey, you took I couldn't [music] do it. Hey, you took the cross. You cross your [music] sh. Hey, [music] my is my record is clean. I Hey, [music] my is my record is clean. I couldn't [music] do it for me. I couldn't [music] do it for me. I couldn't [music] do it for me. I couldn't do it, so you did it for me. I couldn't do it, so you did it for me. I couldn't do it, so you did it for me. I couldn't do it, [music] so you did it couldn't do it, [music] so you did it couldn't do it, [music] so you did it for me. I couldn't do it, so you did it for me. I couldn't do it, so you did it for me. I couldn't do it, so you did it for me. for me. for me. [music] Where are those chains that once held Where are those chains that once held me? I'm free. [music] I'm free. I'm me? I'm free. [music] I'm free. I'm me? I'm free. [music] I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. My sin is gone. [music] free. I'm free. My sin is gone. [music] free. I'm free. My sin is gone. [music] How can it be? I'm free. I'm free. I'm How can it be? I'm free. I'm free. I'm How can it be? I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. Look at what the Lord free. I'm free. Look at what the Lord free. I'm free. Look at what the Lord has said. I'm never [music] going back has said. I'm never [music] going back has said. I'm never [music] going back to the way.

to the way. to the way. I'll sing all day. I'll sing all day. I'll sing all day. Come on. [music] You sound good. Come on. [music] You sound good. Come on. [music] You sound good. God. God. God. You took the cross and you broke your You took the cross and you broke your You took the cross and you broke your body. body. body. You shed your [music] blood. Now the s You shed your [music] blood. Now the s You shed your [music] blood. Now the s my p and my my p and my my p and my I [music] couldn't do it. You took the I [music] couldn't do it. You took the I [music] couldn't do it. You took the cross. cross. cross. [music] couldn't do it. So you could [music] couldn't do it. So you could [music] hold it with Jesus. So you could hold it hold it with Jesus. So you could hold it hold it with Jesus. So you could hold it [music] with Jesus. So you know only God [music] with Jesus. So you know only God [music] with Jesus. So you know only God can do it. Only God can do it. Only God can do it. Only God can do it. Only God can do it. Only God can do it. Only God can do it. Come on. [music] And look at can do it. Come on. [music] And look at can do it. Come on. [music] And look at what the what the what the I'm going back to the way I [music] was.

I'm going back to the way I [music] was. I'm going back to the way I [music] was. Look at what the Lord does. I'm never Look at what the Lord does. I'm never Look at what the Lord does. I'm never going back to [music] the way. Look at going back to [music] the way. Look at going back to [music] the way. Look at what the light what the light what the light has done. [music] I'm never going back has done. [music] I'm never going back has done. [music] I'm never going back to the way. Look at what the Look at to the way. Look at what the Look at to the way. Look at what the Look at what the what the what the I'm [music] going back to the way. Come on. If you got a testimony that God Come on. If you got a testimony that God has changed your life, that he has set has changed your life, that he has set has changed your life, that he has set you free, that he's made you new, come you free, that he's made you new, come you free, that he's made you new, come on. Can we lift up a shout of praise on. Can we lift up a shout of praise on. Can we lift up a shout of praise this morning? Yes. Look at what the Lord this morning? Yes. Look at what the Lord this morning? Yes. Look at what the Lord has done. has done. has done. I'm grateful for all the ways that he I'm grateful for all the ways that he I'm grateful for all the ways that he has met me and all of us exactly where has met me and all of us exactly where has met me and all of us exactly where we are. We get to testify this morning we are. We get to testify this morning we are. We get to testify this morning to the fact that he is good. Amen. Amen. to the fact that he is good. Amen. Amen. to the fact that he is good. Amen. Amen. Amen. Well, welcome to church this Amen. Well, welcome to church this Amen. Well, welcome to church this morning, everybody. If I haven't had the morning, everybody. If I haven't had the morning, everybody. If I haven't had the chance to meet you yet, my name is chance to meet you yet, my name is chance to meet you yet, my name is Justin and I'm our fuse student ministry Justin and I'm our fuse student ministry Justin and I'm our fuse student ministry pastor here at our Anderson campus and pastor here at our Anderson campus and pastor here at our Anderson campus and we are so glad that you are here this we are so glad that you are here this we are so glad that you are here this morning. If you're new here to New morning. If you're new here to New morning. If you're new here to New Spring, we want to say welcome. In fact, Spring, we want to say welcome. In fact, Spring, we want to say welcome. In fact, why don't we all put our hands together why don't we all put our hands together why don't we all put our hands together and welcome in [music] the new folks and welcome in [music] the new folks and welcome in [music] the new folks that are here this morning.

that are here this morning. that are here this morning. Yes. If you're new, we're so glad that Yes. If you're new, we're so glad that Yes. If you're new, we're so glad that you have joined us this morning for you have joined us this morning for you have joined us this morning for [music] church. We'd love to to have an [music] church. We'd love to to have an [music] church. We'd love to to have an opportunity to to get to know your name opportunity to to get to know your name opportunity to to get to know your name and and shake your hand right after the and and shake your hand right after the and and shake your hand right after the service. If you want to head out these service. If you want to head out these service. If you want to head out these doors and right to the [music] right, doors and right to the [music] right, doors and right to the [music] right, there's a new here area where we'd love there's a new here area where we'd love there's a new here area where we'd love to get to connect with you. So, like I to get to connect with you. So, like I to get to connect with you. So, like I said, hey y'all, we're so glad that you said, hey y'all, we're so glad that you said, hey y'all, we're so glad that you are here this morning. In fact, why are here this morning. In fact, why are here this morning. In fact, why don't you look at somebody next to you don't you look at somebody next to you don't you look at somebody next to you and tell tell them you're glad they made and tell tell them you're glad they made and tell tell them you're glad they made it to church this morning. You're glad it to church this morning. You're glad it to church this morning. You're glad they made it to church this [music] they made it to church this [music] they made it to church this [music] morning. Glad you made it to church morning. Glad you made it to church morning. Glad you made it to church this morning. this morning. this morning. So, hey, look, if we're all honest, we So, hey, look, if we're all honest, we So, hey, look, if we're all honest, we know that coming to church on Sunday know that coming to church on Sunday know that coming to church on Sunday mornings, [music] sometimes it takes a mornings, [music] sometimes it takes a mornings, [music] sometimes it takes a lot to get to get here on Sunday lot to get to get here on Sunday lot to get to get here on Sunday mornings. You got to get the kids ready. mornings. You got to get the kids ready. mornings. You got to get the kids ready. You got to get things ready. So, I need You got to get things ready. So, I need You got to get things ready. So, I need a little bit of participation from from a little bit of participation from from a little bit of participation from from everyone uh here at church this morning. everyone uh here at church this morning. everyone uh here at church this morning. [music] If you're one of the folks that [music] If you're one of the folks that [music] If you're one of the folks that like sets your clothes out the night like sets your clothes out the night like sets your clothes out the night before, wave wave your hand in the air. before, wave wave your hand in the air. before, wave wave your hand in the air. Wave your hand in the air. Okay. If Wave your hand in the air. Okay. If Wave your hand in the air. Okay. If you're one of [music] those folks that you're one of [music] those folks that you're one of [music] those folks that you pick your clothes Sunday morning, you pick your clothes Sunday morning, you pick your clothes Sunday morning, just like me, wave your hand in the air.

just like me, wave your hand in the air. just like me, wave your hand in the air. Yep. Wave them in the air. All right, Yep. Wave them in the air. All right, Yep. Wave them in the air. All right, let's How about this one? If you're one let's How about this one? If you're one let's How about this one? If you're one of those folks that you already got the of those folks that you already got the of those folks that you already got the food ready, or you know exactly what food ready, or you know exactly what food ready, or you know exactly what restaurant you're going to after church restaurant you're going to after church restaurant you're going to after church already, wave your hand in the air. Yep. already, wave your hand in the air. Yep. already, wave your hand in the air. Yep. Uh-huh. If you're some of those folks Uh-huh. If you're some of those folks Uh-huh. If you're some of those folks that realize, hey, I got to go to the that realize, hey, I got to go to the that realize, hey, I got to go to the grocery store. I hadn't thought about it grocery store. I hadn't thought about it grocery store. I hadn't thought about it at all. Wave your hand. Yep. That's me, at all. Wave your hand. Yep. That's me, at all. Wave your hand. Yep. That's me, too. That's me, too. Look, there's so too. That's me, too. Look, there's so too. That's me, too. Look, there's so many things that we do to get ready for many things that we do to get ready for many things that we do to get ready for church. Whether it's thinking about the church. Whether it's thinking about the church. Whether it's thinking about the week ahead, whether it's getting on your week ahead, whether it's getting on your week ahead, whether it's getting on your outfit, your favorite shirt, your outfit, your favorite shirt, your outfit, your favorite shirt, your favorite shoes, whether it's grabbing favorite shoes, whether it's grabbing favorite shoes, whether it's grabbing your Bible, your journal, getting to the your Bible, your journal, getting to the your Bible, your journal, getting to the car on time, or or maybe being the car on time, or or maybe being the car on time, or or maybe being the person [music] that's waiting for your person [music] that's waiting for your person [music] that's waiting for your family member to get to the car on time, family member to get to the car on time, family member to get to the car on time, too, as well. too, as well. too, as well. There's so much that we do to prepare to There's so much that we do to prepare to There's so much that we do to prepare to get ready for church on Sunday [music] get ready for church on Sunday [music] get ready for church on Sunday [music] morning. But we can do all of that, but morning. But we can do all of that, but morning. But we can do all of that, but yet miss the thing that matters the yet miss the thing that matters the yet miss the thing that matters the most, and that's preparing our hearts most, and that's preparing our hearts most, and that's preparing our hearts for what God wants to do. Like us having for what God wants to do. Like us having for what God wants to do. Like us having a expectant heart, knowing that in his a expectant heart, knowing that in his a expectant heart, knowing that in his presence there's a peace that surpasses presence there's a peace that surpasses presence there's a peace that surpasses all understanding. [music] all understanding. [music] all understanding. [music] Knowing that we serve a God that makes a Knowing that we serve a God that makes a Knowing that we serve a God that makes a way out of nowhere. knowing that we way out of nowhere. knowing that we way out of nowhere. knowing that we serve a God who has changed my name, serve a God who has changed my name, serve a God who has changed my name, who's gave me a new story, one that is who's gave me a new story, one that is who's gave me a new story, one that is worthy to be praised. So the question I worthy to be praised. So the question I worthy to be praised. So the question I want to ask us today is, how's your want to ask us today is, how's your want to ask us today is, how's your heart? How have you prepared your heart heart? How have you prepared your heart heart? How have you prepared your heart this morning for what God wants to do?

this morning for what God wants to do? this morning for what God wants to do? And we're going to take a moment to do And we're going to take a moment to do And we're going to take a moment to do [music] that together. So I want to [music] that together. So I want to [music] that together. So I want to invite us all to just to just bow our invite us all to just to just bow our invite us all to just to just bow our heads. And this is simply just to to heads. And this is simply just to to heads. And this is simply just to to look inward into our hearts. And what it look inward into our hearts. And what it look inward into our hearts. And what it says in Psalm chapter 100 verse4, says in Psalm chapter 100 verse4, says in Psalm chapter 100 verse4, it says this, "Enter his gates with it says this, "Enter his gates with it says this, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and [music] his courts with thanksgiving and [music] his courts with thanksgiving and [music] his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his praise. Give thanks to him and bless his praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name." So I want to give you a moment to name." So I want to give you a moment to name." So I want to give you a moment to just think about what what is something just think about what what is something just think about what what is something that you are thankful for. that you are thankful for. that you are thankful for. Like what ways have you seen God come Like what ways have you seen God come Like what ways have you seen God come through? through? through? What are the things that he has done in What are the things that he has done in What are the things that he has done in your life? Maybe it's just simply being your life? Maybe it's just simply being your life? Maybe it's just simply being thankful for who God is. thankful for who God is. thankful for who God is. Just think about it for a moment. What Just think about it for a moment. What Just think about it for a moment. What [music] are you thankful for? Yes. I'm thankful for freedom. I'm Yes. I'm thankful for freedom. I'm thankful for salvation. I'm thankful for thankful for salvation. I'm thankful for thankful for salvation. I'm thankful for the breath that is in our lungs this the breath that is in our lungs this the breath that is in our lungs this morning. I'm thankful for the fact that morning. I'm thankful for the fact that morning. I'm thankful for the fact that even while we are all sleeping, God is even while we are all sleeping, God is even while we are all sleeping, God is right there watching over us.

right there watching over us. right there watching over us. So God, we lift up this thanksgiving to So God, we lift up this thanksgiving to So God, we lift up this thanksgiving to you this morning and we enter your you this morning and we enter your you this morning and we enter your courts with praise because you are courts with praise because you are courts with praise because you are worthy to be [music] praised. God, we magnify you. God, we magnify you. And is it it is in that posture we And is it it is in that posture we And is it it is in that posture we [music] respond and sing and lift our [music] respond and sing and lift our [music] respond and sing and lift our voices to you. It's in that posture that voices to you. It's in that posture that voices to you. It's in that posture that we that we bring all that we are. we that we bring all that we are. we that we bring all that we are. Would you open up our eyes to you, God? Would you open up our eyes to you, God? Would you open up our eyes to you, God? Come, Holy Spirit. Come, Holy Spirit. Come, Holy Spirit. So, church, as we get ready to sing and So, church, as we get ready to sing and So, church, as we get ready to sing and respond through singing and and bringing respond through singing and and bringing respond through singing and and bringing forth our tithes and our offerings, forth our tithes and our offerings, forth our tithes and our offerings, let's all pray this prayer together. let's all pray this prayer together. let's all pray this prayer together. Almighty God, everything we have comes Almighty God, everything we have comes Almighty God, everything we have comes from you. You are our [music] source, from you. You are our [music] source, from you. You are our [music] source, our strength, and our provider. with our strength, and our provider. with our strength, and our provider. with open hands and expectant hearts. We open hands and expectant hearts. We open hands and expectant hearts. We bring our tithes and offerings not bring our tithes and offerings not bring our tithes and offerings not [music] out of duty but out of delight. [music] out of duty but out of delight. [music] out of duty but out of delight. Use them to bless others, to fuel your Use them to bless others, to fuel your Use them to bless others, to fuel your mission, to shine your light in dark mission, to shine your light in dark mission, to shine your light in dark places, and to move your kingdom places, and to move your kingdom places, and to move your kingdom forward. You are worthy of our trust, forward. You are worthy of our trust, forward. You are worthy of our trust, our resources, [music] our resources, [music] our resources, [music] and our praise in Jesus name. Amen. Come and our praise in Jesus name. Amen. Come and our praise in Jesus name. Amen. Come on y'all. Let's let's respond.

Yes, God, we bring you all of ourselves Yes, God, we bring you all of ourselves right now. You are worthy of our praise. right now. You are worthy of our praise. right now. You are worthy of our praise. Come on, church. [music] Come on, church. [music] Come on, church. [music] Everybody in this room, let's sing this Everybody in this room, let's sing this Everybody in this room, let's sing this together. Every generation, come on. together. Every generation, come on. together. Every generation, come on. [music] A thousand generations A thousand generations falling [music and singing] down in falling [music and singing] down in falling [music and singing] down in worship to sing the song of ages worship to sing the song of ages worship to sing the song of ages [singing and music] to the lamb. And all [music] who've gone before us And all [music] who've gone before us and all who [singing] will believe and all who [singing] will believe and all who [singing] will believe [music] [music] [music] will sing the song of ages to the lamb will sing the song of ages to the lamb will sing the song of ages to the lamb his name. his name. his name. Your name [music] Your name [music] Your name [music] is the highest. [singing] is the highest. [singing] is the highest. [singing] Your name is the greatest. [music] Your Your name is the greatest. [music] Your Your name is the greatest. [music] Your name name name stands above them all. stands above them all. stands above them all. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> All thrones and the [singing] millions. >> All thrones and the [singing] millions. >> All thrones and the [singing] millions. All powers and positions. Your name All powers and positions. Your name All powers and positions. Your name stands [music] above them all. And the stands [music] above them all. And the stands [music] above them all. And the angels cry. [singing] angels cry. [singing] angels cry. [singing] Holy Holy Holy [music] [music] [music] all creation [singing] all creation [singing] all creation [singing] cries.

cries. cries. Holy. Holy. Holy. You are lifted [music] high. You are lifted [music] high. You are lifted [music] high. Holy, [music] This is our testimony. Come on. [music] This is our testimony. Come on. If you've been forgi Oh, and if you've If you've been forgi Oh, and if you've If you've been forgi Oh, and if you've been redeemed, [music] been redeemed, [music] been redeemed, [music] sing the song forever to [music] walk in freedom. [music] walk in freedom. You You You [music] [music] [music] see [singing] we will we will sing [music] sing [music] sing [music] forever. The angels [music] The angels [music] cry [music]

[music] Jesus, your name is the highest. Your Jesus, your name is the highest. Your Jesus, your name is the highest. Your name is the greatest. [music] name is the greatest. [music] name is the greatest. [music] Your name Your name Your name stands above [music] all. stands above [music] all. stands above [music] all. Above all thrones and dominions, [music] Above all thrones and dominions, [music] Above all thrones and dominions, [music] all powers and positions, your name all powers and positions, your name all powers and positions, your name stands [music] above. Come on, let's stands [music] above. Come on, let's stands [music] above. Come on, let's acknowledge this now. Here we go. Your acknowledge this now. Here we go. Your acknowledge this now. Here we go. Your name is the [music] highest. Your name name is the [music] highest. Your name name is the [music] highest. Your name is is is your name. [music] Yeah. Yeah. [music] Heat.

[music] [music] always be You [music] will always be You [music] will always be holy, >> [music] >> [music] >> As we keep in this posture of worship, I >> As we keep in this posture of worship, I >> As we keep in this posture of worship, I just want to invite everybody to look up just want to invite everybody to look up just want to invite everybody to look up for a second. for a second. for a second. Let's make these times livable, Let's make these times livable, Let's make these times livable, applicable, [music] applicable, [music] applicable, [music] practical to our everyday life. We're practical to our everyday life. We're practical to our everyday life. We're bringing everything that we are into bringing everything that we are into bringing everything that we are into these spaces. [music] these spaces. [music] these spaces. [music] And so, I just want to invite some And so, I just want to invite some And so, I just want to invite some participation right now. If you need God participation right now. If you need God participation right now. If you need God to come through for you on anything to come through for you on anything to come through for you on anything right now, [music] you need his power, right now, [music] you need his power, right now, [music] you need his power, you need his provision, and that's true you need his provision, and that's true you need his provision, and that's true for you, would you just raise your hand?

for you, would you just raise your hand? for you, would you just raise your hand? I think this is probably most of us in I think this is probably most of us in I think this is probably most of us in this room [music] today. this room [music] today. this room [music] today. Let's take 30 seconds right here. You Let's take 30 seconds right here. You Let's take 30 seconds right here. You can put your hands down to recognize can put your hands down to recognize can put your hands down to recognize that is the [music] power of God that we that is the [music] power of God that we that is the [music] power of God that we need. It is the gospel of Jesus Christ. need. It is the gospel of Jesus Christ. need. It is the gospel of Jesus Christ. That is the power of God to everybody That is the power of God to everybody That is the power of God to everybody that believes. So let's [music] take that believes. So let's [music] take that believes. So let's [music] take these seconds right now just to bring these seconds right now just to bring these seconds right now just to bring our requests before him today our requests before him today our requests before him today recognizing that his name is above every recognizing that his name is above every recognizing that his name is above every other name. He [music] his power is other name. He [music] his power is other name. He [music] his power is above every other authority. So Jesus we above every other authority. So Jesus we above every other authority. So Jesus we bring all of our requests now. >> And when every voice, let's sing what >> And when every voice, let's sing what he's done. I hear [music] the savior he's done. I hear [music] the savior he's done. I hear [music] the savior say.

say. say. I hear the [music] savior say I hear the [music] savior say I hear the [music] savior say thy strength thy strength thy strength indeed is small. [music] indeed is small. [music] indeed is small. [music] Child of weakness [singing] Child of weakness [singing] Child of weakness [singing] watch and [music] pray. watch and [music] pray. watch and [music] pray. Find in me thine all [music] in all. Find in me thine all [music] in all. Find in me thine all [music] in all. Jesus paid. Come on. Jesus [singing] Jesus paid. Come on. Jesus [singing] Jesus paid. Come on. Jesus [singing] paid it all. paid it all. paid it all. [music] [music] [music] Oh to him alone. Oh to him alone. Oh to him alone. Sin [music and singing] Sin [music and singing] Sin [music and singing] had left a crimson. had left a crimson. had left a crimson. He washed it white as snow. Oh, [music] now indeed I find Oh, [music] now indeed I find by [singing] power and [music] light by [singing] power and [music] light by [singing] power and [music] light alone alone alone can [singing] change the lamper spots can [singing] change the lamper spots can [singing] change the lamper spots and melt the [music and singing] heart and melt the [music and singing] heart and melt the [music and singing] heart of soul. Come on everybody. Jesus of soul. Come on everybody. Jesus of soul. Come on everybody. Jesus [singing] [singing] [singing] paid it all. [music] All to [singing] him alone.

All to [singing] him alone. Sin [music] Sin [music] Sin [music] had left after a Christmas [singing] had left after a Christmas [singing] had left after a Christmas [singing] day. He washed [music] day. He washed [music] day. He washed [music] it. Come on, think about [music] that day to Come on, think about [music] that day to come when I stand before his throne. come when I stand before his throne. come when I stand before his throne. And when And when And when before the throne, before the throne, before the throne, [music] I stand in him complete. [music] I stand in him complete. [music] I stand in him complete. Jesus [music] Jesus [music] Jesus [music] died [singing] my soul to save. died [singing] my soul to save. died [singing] my soul to save. My lips shall still repeat. My lips shall still repeat. My lips shall still repeat. Jesus [singing and music] paid it all. Jesus [singing and music] paid it all. Jesus [singing and music] paid it all. Oh, to him I owe. Oh, to him I owe. Oh, to him I owe. Sin had left a crimson [singing] stain.

Sin had left a crimson [singing] stain. Sin had left a crimson [singing] stain. He washed it white as snow. Sing that He washed it white as snow. Sing that He washed it white as snow. Sing that again. again. again. Jesus [music and singing] Jesus [music and singing] Jesus [music and singing] paid it all. paid it all. paid it all. All [music and singing] All [music and singing] All [music and singing] to him I to him I to him I s I left [music and singing] the crimson s I left [music and singing] the crimson s I left [music and singing] the crimson day. He washed it [music] right. day. He washed it [music] right. day. He washed it [music] right. He wash it. He wash it. He wash it. [music] He washed [singing] it. >> Come on, we say thank you. >> Come on, we say thank you. He has done all [music] the work is He has done all [music] the work is He has done all [music] the work is through him. He's done it [music] all. We sing. Oh, He's done it [music] all. We sing. Oh, praise the Lord. praise the Lord. praise the Lord. Oh, praise the word. [music] Oh, praise the word. [music] Oh, praise the word. [music] My dead [singing] My dead [singing] My dead [singing] raised his life up [music] from the raised his life up [music] from the raised his life up [music] from the dead. Oh, praise the word dead. Oh, praise the word dead. Oh, praise the word by by by his life.

his life. his life. Come on, [music] sing it. Praise the Come on, [music] sing it. Praise the Come on, [music] sing it. Praise the world. world. world. My dead. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Oh, praise the word Oh, praise the word Oh, praise the word my name. [music] Raise his life up from my name. [music] Raise his life up from my name. [music] Raise his life up from the dead. the dead. the dead. >> Come on. Just our voices. Jesus paid. >> Come on. Just our voices. Jesus paid. >> Come on. Just our voices. Jesus paid. Jesus [music] Jesus [music] Jesus [music] paid it all. [singing] All to him I owe. All to him I owe. Sin [singing] Sin [singing] Sin [singing] had left a crimson [music] stain. He had left a crimson [music] stain. He had left a crimson [music] stain. He washed it white as Come on, one more washed it white as Come on, one more washed it white as Come on, one more time. Every voice Jesus [singing] time. Every voice Jesus [singing] time. Every voice Jesus [singing] [music] paid it all.

[music] paid it all. [music] paid it all. Oh, [singing] to him I owe. Oh, [singing] to him I owe. Oh, [singing] to him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain. [music] Sin had left a crimson stain. [music] Sin had left a crimson stain. [music] He washed it white as snow. He washed it white as snow. He washed it white as snow. [music] Father God, we thank you for that truth Father God, we thank you for that truth that we've all just sung, that you that we've all just sung, that you that we've all just sung, that you have removed our debt. have removed our debt. have removed our debt. Lord, remind us today, our feelings lie Lord, remind us today, our feelings lie Lord, remind us today, our feelings lie to us. to us. to us. We need to be reminded that our debt is We need to be reminded that our debt is We need to be reminded that our debt is paid in Christ. that for those that are paid in Christ. that for those that are paid in Christ. that for those that are here and that are born again, here and that are born again, here and that are born again, regenerate, made new, they are pure as regenerate, made new, they are pure as regenerate, made new, they are pure as driven [music] snow, driven [music] snow, driven [music] snow, let us operate out of that identity, let us operate out of that identity, let us operate out of that identity, God. And Lord, for those that are here God. And Lord, for those that are here God. And Lord, for those that are here today like we all have been and we don't today like we all have been and we don't today like we all have been and we don't know you yet, would you continue to woo know you yet, would you continue to woo know you yet, would you continue to woo them? Continue to draw them. Continue to them? Continue to draw them. Continue to them? Continue to draw them. Continue to share the good news quick in their share the good news quick in their share the good news quick in their hearts. Let them know they can be made hearts. Let them know they can be made hearts. Let them know they can be made new. Their debt can be paid that Jesus new. Their debt can be paid that Jesus new. Their debt can be paid that Jesus Christ and his gospel is [music] Christ and his gospel is [music] Christ and his gospel is [music] powerful and effective and it will powerful and effective and it will powerful and effective and it will complete the work it was intended to do.

complete the work it was intended to do. complete the work it was intended to do. We love you. We gather now around your We love you. We gather now around your We love you. We gather now around your word. We're blessed, [music] Holy word. We're blessed, [music] Holy word. We're blessed, [music] Holy Spirit, to welcome you. So come and Spirit, to welcome you. So come and Spirit, to welcome you. So come and speak in each of our hearts by the speak in each of our hearts by the speak in each of our hearts by the preaching of your word. In Christ's name preaching of your word. In Christ's name preaching of your word. In Christ's name we pray and we say together. Amen. Amen. we pray and we say together. Amen. Amen. we pray and we say together. Amen. Amen. Let's give the Lord a hand. And before Let's give the Lord a hand. And before Let's give the Lord a hand. And before you take your seat, let's go ahead and you take your seat, let's go ahead and you take your seat, let's go ahead and read the word while you're standing. And read the word while you're standing. And read the word while you're standing. And in order to do that in this Romans in order to do that in this Romans in order to do that in this Romans chapter 1, I've invited a special guest chapter 1, I've invited a special guest chapter 1, I've invited a special guest to come and read the word. Very, very to come and read the word. Very, very to come and read the word. Very, very special to me. Would you guys put your special to me. Would you guys put your special to me. Would you guys put your hands together? Welcome my wife out to hands together? Welcome my wife out to hands together? Welcome my wife out to read Romans 1 for us. Corey Cooper. read Romans 1 for us. Corey Cooper. read Romans 1 for us. Corey Cooper. >> Yay. Hello. >> Yay. Hello. >> Yay. Hello. >> Welcome, Corey. Welcome. Welcome. >> Welcome, Corey. Welcome. Welcome. >> Welcome, Corey. Welcome. Welcome. >> Good morning. Um, I'm so excited and >> Good morning. Um, I'm so excited and >> Good morning. Um, I'm so excited and honored to have been asked to read honored to have been asked to read honored to have been asked to read today's scripture. All right. We are in today's scripture. All right. We are in today's scripture. All right. We are in Romans 1:es 1-1 17. Paul, a servant of Romans 1:es 1-1 17. Paul, a servant of Romans 1:es 1-1 17. Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which set apart for the gospel of God, which set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his he promised beforehand through his he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures prophets in the holy scriptures prophets in the holy scriptures concerning his son, who was descended concerning his son, who was descended concerning his son, who was descended from David according to the flesh, and from David according to the flesh, and from David according to the flesh, and was [snorts] declared to be the son of was [snorts] declared to be the son of was [snorts] declared to be the son of God in power, according to the spirit of God in power, according to the spirit of God in power, according to the spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the holiness by his resurrection from the holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received received grace and whom we have received received grace and whom we have received received grace and apostilhip to bring about the obedience apostilhip to bring about the obedience apostilhip to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among of faith for the sake of his name among of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations including you who are all the nations including you who are all the nations including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. To all

called to belong to Jesus Christ. To all called to belong to Jesus Christ. To all those in Rome who are loved by God and those in Rome who are loved by God and those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints. Grace to you and called to be saints. Grace to you and called to be saints. Grace to you and peace from God our father and the Lord peace from God our father and the Lord peace from God our father and the Lord Jesus Christ. First, I thank my God Jesus Christ. First, I thank my God Jesus Christ. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you through Jesus Christ for all of you through Jesus Christ for all of you because your faith is proclaimed in all because your faith is proclaimed in all because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. For God is my witness whom I the world. For God is my witness whom I the world. For God is my witness whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of serve with my spirit in the gospel of serve with my spirit in the gospel of his son that without ceasing I mention his son that without ceasing I mention his son that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers asking that you always in my prayers asking that you always in my prayers asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last somehow by God's will I may now at last somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. succeed in coming to you. succeed in coming to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart For I long to see you, that I may impart For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen to you some spiritual gift to strengthen to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you. That is, that we may be mutually you. That is, that we may be mutually you. That is, that we may be mutually encou encouraged by each other's faith, encou encouraged by each other's faith, encou encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. I do not want you both yours and mine. I do not want you both yours and mine. I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have to be unaware, brothers, that I have to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you, but thus often intended to come to you, but thus often intended to come to you, but thus far have been prevented, in order that I far have been prevented, in order that I far have been prevented, in order that I may reap some harvest among you, as well may reap some harvest among you, as well may reap some harvest among you, as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. I am as among the rest of the Gentiles. I am as among the rest of the Gentiles. I am under obligation both to Greeks and to under obligation both to Greeks and to under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the barbarians, both to the wise and to the barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. So I am eager to preach the foolish. So I am eager to preach the foolish. So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. For gospel to you also who are in Rome. For gospel to you also who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel. For it I am not ashamed of the gospel. For it I am not ashamed of the gospel. For it is the power of God for salvation to is the power of God for salvation to is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first everyone who believes, to the Jew first everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the and also to the Greek. For in it the and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from righteousness of God is revealed from righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith. As it is written, the

faith for faith. As it is written, the faith for faith. As it is written, the righteous shall live by faith. The word righteous shall live by faith. The word righteous shall live by faith. The word of God for the people of God. of God for the people of God. of God for the people of God. >> Thanks be to God. Amen. Thank you, >> Thanks be to God. Amen. Thank you, >> Thanks be to God. Amen. Thank you, Corey. Corey. Corey. >> All right, you may be seated, everybody. >> All right, you may be seated, everybody. >> All right, you may be seated, everybody. Well, good morning, church family. Well, good morning, church family. Well, good morning, church family. Welcome. We start today a journey into Welcome. We start today a journey into Welcome. We start today a journey into the book of Romans. I am elated. Um, and the book of Romans. I am elated. Um, and the book of Romans. I am elated. Um, and uh, and I've got to get going because uh, and I've got to get going because uh, and I've got to get going because I've got a lot of notes and Romans has I've got a lot of notes and Romans has I've got a lot of notes and Romans has got a lot to say. And so, uh, I just got a lot to say. And so, uh, I just got a lot to say. And so, uh, I just want to just sell sell sell this to you want to just sell sell sell this to you want to just sell sell sell this to you guys that over the next, well, I don't guys that over the next, well, I don't guys that over the next, well, I don't sell this word. I want to I want to make sell this word. I want to I want to make sell this word. I want to I want to make sure you're aware of this. Over the next sure you're aware of this. Over the next sure you're aware of this. Over the next several weeks, you're going to see at several weeks, you're going to see at several weeks, you're going to see at your campus, so many folks coming back your campus, so many folks coming back your campus, so many folks coming back to college. So many folks coming back to to college. So many folks coming back to to college. So many folks coming back to school. Some of you are already doing school. Some of you are already doing school. Some of you are already doing this. We got five major school districts this. We got five major school districts this. We got five major school districts in the state of South Carolina that in the state of South Carolina that in the state of South Carolina that started school already in the month of started school already in the month of started school already in the month of July, which is crazy to me. But I know, July, which is crazy to me. But I know, July, which is crazy to me. But I know, shout out Aken, shout out Greenwood, shout out Aken, shout out Greenwood, shout out Aken, shout out Greenwood, some folks in Columbia, down in some folks in Columbia, down in some folks in Columbia, down in Florence, too. There's school districts Florence, too. There's school districts Florence, too. There's school districts that are starting. So, I just want you that are starting. So, I just want you that are starting. So, I just want you to be on your lookout for folks that are to be on your lookout for folks that are to be on your lookout for folks that are new and welcome them to the family of new and welcome them to the family of new and welcome them to the family of God. Uh, and I hope if you are new, you God. Uh, and I hope if you are new, you God. Uh, and I hope if you are new, you feel so welcomed here. But I just want feel so welcomed here. But I just want feel so welcomed here. But I just want to make sure I nudge you folks that sit to make sure I nudge you folks that sit to make sure I nudge you folks that sit in the same seats and make your way to in the same seats and make your way to in the same seats and make your way to the 9:15 service and you're here the 9:15 service and you're here the 9:15 service and you're here faithfully. Have your head on a swivel faithfully. Have your head on a swivel faithfully. Have your head on a swivel to welcome those that are new. If you'll to welcome those that are new. If you'll to welcome those that are new. If you'll receive that, say amen. All right, with receive that, say amen. All right, with receive that, say amen. All right, with that, I gave you time to get out your that, I gave you time to get out your that, I gave you time to get out your notes. Let me give you some quotes, some notes. Let me give you some quotes, some notes. Let me give you some quotes, some of my favorite quotes on the book of of my favorite quotes on the book of of my favorite quotes on the book of Romans, uh, that I think will be Romans, uh, that I think will be Romans, uh, that I think will be encouraging. The first one is actually encouraging. The first one is actually encouraging. The first one is actually by an old scholar pastor named FF Bruce.

by an old scholar pastor named FF Bruce. by an old scholar pastor named FF Bruce. Here's what he says. There is no saying Here's what he says. There is no saying Here's what he says. There is no saying what may happen when people begin to what may happen when people begin to what may happen when people begin to study the letter to the Romans. What study the letter to the Romans. What study the letter to the Romans. What happened to Augustine or Martin Luther happened to Augustine or Martin Luther happened to Augustine or Martin Luther or John Wes Wesley and Carl Bar? They or John Wes Wesley and Carl Bar? They or John Wes Wesley and Carl Bar? They launched great spiritual movements from launched great spiritual movements from launched great spiritual movements from Romans which have left their mark in Romans which have left their mark in Romans which have left their mark in world history. But similar things have world history. But similar things have world history. But similar things have happened much more frequently to very happened much more frequently to very happened much more frequently to very ordinary men and women as the words of ordinary men and women as the words of ordinary men and women as the words of this letter came home to them with this letter came home to them with this letter came home to them with power. So let those who have read thus power. So let those who have read thus power. So let those who have read thus far be prepared for the consequences of far be prepared for the consequences of far be prepared for the consequences of reading further. You have been warned. reading further. You have been warned. reading further. You have been warned. That's uh the power of the gospel in the That's uh the power of the gospel in the That's uh the power of the gospel in the letter of Romans. He mentioned Martin letter of Romans. He mentioned Martin letter of Romans. He mentioned Martin Luther and if you're familiar with Luther and if you're familiar with Luther and if you're familiar with church history, of course, it was this church history, of course, it was this church history, of course, it was this letter that led monk Martin Luther to letter that led monk Martin Luther to letter that led monk Martin Luther to what he would say was his salvation what he would say was his salvation what he would say was his salvation moment. He was very religious, but he moment. He was very religious, but he moment. He was very religious, but he had never understood the grace of God had never understood the grace of God had never understood the grace of God until he wrestled with the letter of until he wrestled with the letter of until he wrestled with the letter of Romans. And he realized that grace was a Romans. And he realized that grace was a Romans. And he realized that grace was a gift to receive by faith, not by works.

gift to receive by faith, not by works. gift to receive by faith, not by works. And here's what he actually says. And um And here's what he actually says. And um And here's what he actually says. And um brother Luther is prone to hyperbole, brother Luther is prone to hyperbole, brother Luther is prone to hyperbole, but I don't know if he's being but I don't know if he's being but I don't know if he's being hyperbolic here or he's being dead red hyperbolic here or he's being dead red hyperbolic here or he's being dead red serious. Look what he says. This serious. Look what he says. This serious. Look what he says. This epistle, this letter is really the chief epistle, this letter is really the chief epistle, this letter is really the chief part of the New Testament and is truly part of the New Testament and is truly part of the New Testament and is truly the purest gospel. It is worthy not only the purest gospel. It is worthy not only the purest gospel. It is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word that every Christian should know it word that every Christian should know it word for word by heart but also that he for word by heart but also that he for word by heart but also that he should occupy himself with it every day should occupy himself with it every day should occupy himself with it every day as is the daily bread of the soul. So as is the daily bread of the soul. So as is the daily bread of the soul. So you can decide was brother Luther you can decide was brother Luther you can decide was brother Luther talking in you know in in hyperbolic talking in you know in in hyperbolic talking in you know in in hyperbolic language or was he serious? I think he language or was he serious? I think he language or was he serious? I think he was really dead serious. I put this was really dead serious. I put this was really dead serious. I put this challenge out on Thursday night in challenge out on Thursday night in challenge out on Thursday night in Greenville at Thursday night gathering. Greenville at Thursday night gathering. Greenville at Thursday night gathering. If anybody can memorize the letter to If anybody can memorize the letter to If anybody can memorize the letter to the Romans, 16 chapters, word for word the Romans, 16 chapters, word for word the Romans, 16 chapters, word for word by heart, I will personally give you by heart, I will personally give you by heart, I will personally give you $1,000. Just throwing the challenge out $1,000. Just throwing the challenge out $1,000. Just throwing the challenge out there, uh, not news for me. I will there, uh, not news for me. I will there, uh, not news for me. I will because I think it is that valuable to because I think it is that valuable to because I think it is that valuable to your soul. I will invest uh, we bribe your soul. I will invest uh, we bribe your soul. I will invest uh, we bribe our children to memorize scripture in my our children to memorize scripture in my our children to memorize scripture in my house. Mom and dad, grandparents, house. Mom and dad, grandparents, house. Mom and dad, grandparents, commending it to you. Get that word of commending it to you. Get that word of commending it to you. Get that word of God in your heart. $1,000 for me if you God in your heart. $1,000 for me if you God in your heart. $1,000 for me if you can do it word for word. All right. All can do it word for word. All right. All can do it word for word. All right. All right. Moving on. Now, St. Jerome, I've right. Moving on. Now, St. Jerome, I've right. Moving on. Now, St. Jerome, I've got his picture in my office. Here's got his picture in my office. Here's got his picture in my office. Here's what he said about this letter and about what he said about this letter and about what he said about this letter and about the scriptures. Check this out. The the scriptures. Check this out. The the scriptures. Check this out. The scriptures are shallow enough for a babe scriptures are shallow enough for a babe scriptures are shallow enough for a babe to come and drink without fear of to come and drink without fear of to come and drink without fear of drowning and deep enough for a

drowning and deep enough for a drowning and deep enough for a theologian to swim in without ever theologian to swim in without ever theologian to swim in without ever touching the bottom. Now, think about touching the bottom. Now, think about touching the bottom. Now, think about that dynamic that doesn't matter if that dynamic that doesn't matter if that dynamic that doesn't matter if you're brand new to faith or you're just you're brand new to faith or you're just you're brand new to faith or you're just leaning in. Man, you can wade into the leaning in. Man, you can wade into the leaning in. Man, you can wade into the waters of Romans. Or you might be waters of Romans. Or you might be waters of Romans. Or you might be decades following Christ. And man, you decades following Christ. And man, you decades following Christ. And man, you can swim and never plunge the depths of can swim and never plunge the depths of can swim and never plunge the depths of this letter. It is rich. And I am stoked this letter. It is rich. And I am stoked this letter. It is rich. And I am stoked about the next several weeks as we about the next several weeks as we about the next several weeks as we preach all through this. And I'm going preach all through this. And I'm going preach all through this. And I'm going to say this, you're going to hear this to say this, you're going to hear this to say this, you're going to hear this over the next couple of weeks as well. over the next couple of weeks as well. over the next couple of weeks as well. We are rolling and aligning our We are rolling and aligning our We are rolling and aligning our disciplehip groups alongside of this. disciplehip groups alongside of this. disciplehip groups alongside of this. So, if you're already in one, you're So, if you're already in one, you're So, if you're already in one, you're going to start having the opportunity to going to start having the opportunity to going to start having the opportunity to roll through your groups in Romans. But roll through your groups in Romans. But roll through your groups in Romans. But this is a perfect time if you are this is a perfect time if you are this is a perfect time if you are looking to get into community with some looking to get into community with some looking to get into community with some other men, some other women, some other other men, some other women, some other other men, some other women, some other couples. Your campus can help you get couples. Your campus can help you get couples. Your campus can help you get rolled in in the in the next month in rolled in in the in the next month in rolled in in the in the next month in particular into a Romans group. I hope particular into a Romans group. I hope particular into a Romans group. I hope you will make it a priority in your you will make it a priority in your you will make it a priority in your life. Amen. Now, write down on your life. Amen. Now, write down on your life. Amen. Now, write down on your notes the background of Romans. What I notes the background of Romans. What I notes the background of Romans. What I want to do today is I want to try to want to do today is I want to try to want to do today is I want to try to give you guys some background so that give you guys some background so that give you guys some background so that you can really get the value of this.

you can really get the value of this. you can really get the value of this. Now, how many of you on our campuses, Now, how many of you on our campuses, Now, how many of you on our campuses, you like watching cooking shows on you like watching cooking shows on you like watching cooking shows on television? Wave your hand at me if you television? Wave your hand at me if you television? Wave your hand at me if you like this. I love cooking shows. Who are like this. I love cooking shows. Who are like this. I love cooking shows. Who are good cooks in here? If you think I'm a good cooks in here? If you think I'm a good cooks in here? If you think I'm a pretty good cook. Okay, right here. All pretty good cook. Okay, right here. All pretty good cook. Okay, right here. All right, man. I love to cook. I'm I like right, man. I love to cook. I'm I like right, man. I love to cook. I'm I like the grill. Okay, I'm a big grill guy. the grill. Okay, I'm a big grill guy. the grill. Okay, I'm a big grill guy. Uh, but I've watched enough cooking Uh, but I've watched enough cooking Uh, but I've watched enough cooking shows to know that it doesn't matter if shows to know that it doesn't matter if shows to know that it doesn't matter if it's the kids cooking show or if it's it's the kids cooking show or if it's it's the kids cooking show or if it's like, you know, Gordon Ramsay. It like, you know, Gordon Ramsay. It like, you know, Gordon Ramsay. It doesn't matter the techniques. It doesn't matter the techniques. It doesn't matter the techniques. It doesn't matter the presentation. doesn't matter the presentation. doesn't matter the presentation. What one of the key moments in a cooking What one of the key moments in a cooking What one of the key moments in a cooking show is when they the judges actually show is when they the judges actually show is when they the judges actually taste the food. You can be watching a taste the food. You can be watching a taste the food. You can be watching a barbecue documentary on Netflix or barbecue documentary on Netflix or barbecue documentary on Netflix or watching one of these fine cuisines or watching one of these fine cuisines or watching one of these fine cuisines or whatever. When the judges taste the whatever. When the judges taste the whatever. When the judges taste the food, one of the first things you're food, one of the first things you're food, one of the first things you're going to hear them talk about is is going to hear them talk about is is going to hear them talk about is is where the salt is in the food. And if where the salt is in the food. And if where the salt is in the food. And if you made it look beautiful and you use you made it look beautiful and you use you made it look beautiful and you use great technique, but you didn't put great technique, but you didn't put great technique, but you didn't put enough salt on the meal, they're going enough salt on the meal, they're going enough salt on the meal, they're going to absolutely just blister you, right? to absolutely just blister you, right? to absolutely just blister you, right? They might even use some very strong They might even use some very strong They might even use some very strong words because, and you know this if words because, and you know this if words because, and you know this if you're a chef, salt, listen to me, salt you're a chef, salt, listen to me, salt you're a chef, salt, listen to me, salt is so important because it's the vehicle is so important because it's the vehicle is so important because it's the vehicle by which flavors are unlocked, by which flavors are unlocked, by which flavors are unlocked, why other flavors are magnified and why other flavors are magnified and why other flavors are magnified and accentuated. It's the vehicle that accentuated. It's the vehicle that accentuated. It's the vehicle that allows for the full pallet to be able to allows for the full pallet to be able to allows for the full pallet to be able to taste all that the good ingredients in a taste all that the good ingredients in a taste all that the good ingredients in a dish can provide. And so, I don't know dish can provide. And so, I don't know dish can provide. And so, I don't know if you've read Romans before, but I know if you've read Romans before, but I know if you've read Romans before, but I know that there is some salt that I believe that there is some salt that I believe that there is some salt that I believe we need to get on our pallets so that we we need to get on our pallets so that we we need to get on our pallets so that we can actually taste all that's going on

can actually taste all that's going on can actually taste all that's going on in this book. And so, I want to help in this book. And so, I want to help in this book. And so, I want to help provide some of those flavors to you. provide some of those flavors to you. provide some of those flavors to you. So, the background of Romans, this is So, the background of Romans, this is So, the background of Romans, this is not a rhetorical question. You can yell not a rhetorical question. You can yell not a rhetorical question. You can yell it out from any campus. Who wrote the it out from any campus. Who wrote the it out from any campus. Who wrote the letter to the Romans? Yell it out. Paul letter to the Romans? Yell it out. Paul letter to the Romans? Yell it out. Paul wrote it. One of his 13 letters. Paul wrote it. One of his 13 letters. Paul wrote it. One of his 13 letters. Paul wrote it. So, it comes from the heart of wrote it. So, it comes from the heart of wrote it. So, it comes from the heart of Paul. Now, a little deeper. Where was Paul. Now, a little deeper. Where was Paul. Now, a little deeper. Where was Paul when he wrote the letter to the Paul when he wrote the letter to the Paul when he wrote the letter to the Romans? So, he sent the letter, but he Romans? So, he sent the letter, but he Romans? So, he sent the letter, but he was in another famous New Testament was in another famous New Testament was in another famous New Testament city. Does anybody know where Paul was city. Does anybody know where Paul was city. Does anybody know where Paul was when he wrote the letter? when he wrote the letter? when he wrote the letter? Corinth. I heard it over here. He was in Corinth. I heard it over here. He was in Corinth. I heard it over here. He was in Corinth. He had spent 18 months in Corinth. He had spent 18 months in Corinth. He had spent 18 months in Corinth. So, it was generally a peace Corinth. So, it was generally a peace Corinth. So, it was generally a peace time in the life of Paul, if you can say time in the life of Paul, if you can say time in the life of Paul, if you can say that. It's not one of his prison that. It's not one of his prison that. It's not one of his prison letters. He was there as a shepherd and letters. He was there as a shepherd and letters. He was there as a shepherd and he wrote it. I actually got to go there he wrote it. I actually got to go there he wrote it. I actually got to go there uh a little right under two years ago uh a little right under two years ago uh a little right under two years ago with my wife. I've got a picture of it. with my wife. I've got a picture of it. with my wife. I've got a picture of it. This is the port of of Corinth. And um I This is the port of of Corinth. And um I This is the port of of Corinth. And um I had the beard then. Okay. My wife has had the beard then. Okay. My wife has had the beard then. Okay. My wife has given me the green light. She says I given me the green light. She says I given me the green light. She says I like the mustache better than the beard. like the mustache better than the beard. like the mustache better than the beard. So I don't know church, you might have So I don't know church, you might have So I don't know church, you might have to just get used to this thing. All to just get used to this thing. All to just get used to this thing. All right. Got to keep on rolling. But but right. Got to keep on rolling. But but right. Got to keep on rolling. But but this is actually a port city in Greece this is actually a port city in Greece this is actually a port city in Greece in Corenth. And it's called Cancria.

in Corenth. And it's called Cancria. in Corenth. And it's called Cancria. And this is this is actually the port And this is this is actually the port And this is this is actually the port where Paul would have sent the letter. where Paul would have sent the letter. where Paul would have sent the letter. And who did he send the letter by? There And who did he send the letter by? There And who did he send the letter by? There was a courier. It was a a deacon. was a courier. It was a a deacon. was a courier. It was a a deacon. She She She her name is her name is her name is Phoebe. Okay, I got an AU student over Phoebe. Okay, I got an AU student over Phoebe. Okay, I got an AU student over here showing off that AU flexing that AU here showing off that AU flexing that AU here showing off that AU flexing that AU knowledge. Come on, Bible knowledge. So knowledge. Come on, Bible knowledge. So knowledge. Come on, Bible knowledge. So Phoebe sent this letter from Paul and Phoebe sent this letter from Paul and Phoebe sent this letter from Paul and she carried it in the middle of the the she carried it in the middle of the the she carried it in the middle of the the Roman world. she carried it and she Roman world. she carried it and she Roman world. she carried it and she would have gotten in a boat and then she would have gotten in a boat and then she would have gotten in a boat and then she would have arrived and Rome at the time would have arrived and Rome at the time would have arrived and Rome at the time wasn't just a city like it is now. This wasn't just a city like it is now. This wasn't just a city like it is now. This is the empire of Rome. This is the home, is the empire of Rome. This is the home, is the empire of Rome. This is the home, listen to me, of the Caesars and the listen to me, of the Caesars and the listen to me, of the Caesars and the Republic. All these movies that we watch Republic. All these movies that we watch Republic. All these movies that we watch that kind of build up all of the that kind of build up all of the that kind of build up all of the dynamics of centurions and and glory and dynamics of centurions and and glory and dynamics of centurions and and glory and honor and and all the majesty of Rome. honor and and all the majesty of Rome. honor and and all the majesty of Rome. And so she gets off the boat in Rome and And so she gets off the boat in Rome and And so she gets off the boat in Rome and she would have walked into the city of she would have walked into the city of she would have walked into the city of Rome and she would have been confronted Rome and she would have been confronted Rome and she would have been confronted with just the vastness of this this with just the vastness of this this with just the vastness of this this empire and she would have seen the empire and she would have seen the empire and she would have seen the coliseum. We can still go see the coliseum. We can still go see the coliseum. We can still go see the coliseum. I got a chance to do that too.

coliseum. I got a chance to do that too. coliseum. I got a chance to do that too. So Phoebe comes into this world in Rome So Phoebe comes into this world in Rome So Phoebe comes into this world in Rome and she's delivering this letter and and she's delivering this letter and and she's delivering this letter and they weren't gathered in big buildings they weren't gathered in big buildings they weren't gathered in big buildings like we are gathered here today at like we are gathered here today at like we are gathered here today at Newpring Church. They would have been Newpring Church. They would have been Newpring Church. They would have been gathered in homes. You don't even get gathered in homes. You don't even get gathered in homes. You don't even get the the invention of a basilica until the the invention of a basilica until the the invention of a basilica until the 300s. the 300s. the 300s. And so they would have been gathered in And so they would have been gathered in And so they would have been gathered in homes. And so I just want to mention homes. And so I just want to mention homes. And so I just want to mention this because it's very important. The this because it's very important. The this because it's very important. The letter to the Romans was written letter to the Romans was written letter to the Romans was written somewhere between 55 and 57 AD. So write somewhere between 55 and 57 AD. So write somewhere between 55 and 57 AD. So write that down. In the year 55 to 57 AD. So that down. In the year 55 to 57 AD. So that down. In the year 55 to 57 AD. So you're talking just 20 25 years after you're talking just 20 25 years after you're talking just 20 25 years after Christ ascends and the church is born. Christ ascends and the church is born. Christ ascends and the church is born. Now, we don't know who started the Now, we don't know who started the Now, we don't know who started the church in Rome because it wasn't Paul. church in Rome because it wasn't Paul. church in Rome because it wasn't Paul. He he wrote, like he said there, he had He he wrote, like he said there, he had He he wrote, like he said there, he had never been there. He hadn't visited never been there. He hadn't visited never been there. He hadn't visited there. He wanted to go there. But we there. He wanted to go there. But we there. He wanted to go there. But we know that there was some Romans that know that there was some Romans that know that there was some Romans that were there at the day of Pentecost. Go were there at the day of Pentecost. Go were there at the day of Pentecost. Go read Acts 2 when Peter speaks and the read Acts 2 when Peter speaks and the read Acts 2 when Peter speaks and the Holy Spirit falls. Remember, it talks Holy Spirit falls. Remember, it talks Holy Spirit falls. Remember, it talks about all the parts of the the world about all the parts of the the world about all the parts of the the world that folks were from. And it said that that folks were from. And it said that that folks were from. And it said that there was some Jews there from Italy, there was some Jews there from Italy, there was some Jews there from Italy, from Rome. And so some people think that from Rome. And so some people think that from Rome. And so some people think that there was actually Roman Jewish folks there was actually Roman Jewish folks there was actually Roman Jewish folks that were Christians, became Christians that were Christians, became Christians that were Christians, became Christians on that day, filled with the Holy on that day, filled with the Holy on that day, filled with the Holy Spirit, went back and so maybe perhaps Spirit, went back and so maybe perhaps Spirit, went back and so maybe perhaps the church when this letter hits them the church when this letter hits them the church when this letter hits them has been there for a little over two has been there for a little over two has been there for a little over two decades, mostly being held up by Jewish decades, mostly being held up by Jewish decades, mostly being held up by Jewish Christians, those that had been filled Christians, those that had been filled Christians, those that had been filled with the spirit in Acts chapter 2 and with the spirit in Acts chapter 2 and with the spirit in Acts chapter 2 and taken the the the truth of the gospel taken the the the truth of the gospel taken the the the truth of the gospel back to Rome and began to build the city

back to Rome and began to build the city back to Rome and began to build the city there. So, uh, I want to show you one there. So, uh, I want to show you one there. So, uh, I want to show you one other photo I've got that's important other photo I've got that's important other photo I've got that's important because this is inside of the coliseum. because this is inside of the coliseum. because this is inside of the coliseum. And we know that inside of this coliseum And we know that inside of this coliseum And we know that inside of this coliseum over the next several years after 55 AD, over the next several years after 55 AD, over the next several years after 55 AD, there was a man in charge of the empire. there was a man in charge of the empire. there was a man in charge of the empire. His name was Nero. And then Nero would His name was Nero. And then Nero would His name was Nero. And then Nero would then be Diane and some others. And we then be Diane and some others. And we then be Diane and some others. And we know that there were Christians who know that there were Christians who know that there were Christians who stood on these very grounds in the stood on these very grounds in the stood on these very grounds in the coliseum and were eaten by wild beasts coliseum and were eaten by wild beasts coliseum and were eaten by wild beasts as a part of the games in the circus in as a part of the games in the circus in as a part of the games in the circus in Rome. We know this. They would not deny Rome. We know this. They would not deny Rome. We know this. They would not deny their gospel savior. They would not deny their gospel savior. They would not deny their gospel savior. They would not deny King Jesus. They had actually King Jesus. They had actually King Jesus. They had actually experienced this power of the gospel and experienced this power of the gospel and experienced this power of the gospel and it was so formative it was so formative it was so formative that they would not bow the knee to any that they would not bow the knee to any that they would not bow the knee to any other king to any other lord because other king to any other lord because other king to any other lord because Jesus Christ was the king of kings. Jesus Christ was the king of kings. Jesus Christ was the king of kings. Jesus Christ was the lord of lords. So Jesus Christ was the lord of lords. So Jesus Christ was the lord of lords. So here's the background. whatever is in here's the background. whatever is in here's the background. whatever is in this gospel, it puts a spine in the this gospel, it puts a spine in the this gospel, it puts a spine in the backs of Christians backs of Christians backs of Christians that they can stand up to whatever that they can stand up to whatever that they can stand up to whatever cultural winds or heaviness comes. And cultural winds or heaviness comes. And cultural winds or heaviness comes. And so this letter was written in such a way so this letter was written in such a way so this letter was written in such a way that it gave ballast and a spine that it gave ballast and a spine that it gave ballast and a spine in the backs of Christ's followers.

in the backs of Christ's followers. in the backs of Christ's followers. And yet they were still hospitable and And yet they were still hospitable and And yet they were still hospitable and tender to all, welcoming all. And so tender to all, welcoming all. And so tender to all, welcoming all. And so these two truths are there. There is a these two truths are there. There is a these two truths are there. There is a courage and a compassion to the true courage and a compassion to the true courage and a compassion to the true gospel when we receive it. Amen. There gospel when we receive it. Amen. There gospel when we receive it. Amen. There is a stealing of the spine. There is a I is a stealing of the spine. There is a I is a stealing of the spine. There is a I will not move from here convictional will not move from here convictional will not move from here convictional believing in the power of Jesus Christ. believing in the power of Jesus Christ. believing in the power of Jesus Christ. The gospel is for all people. I believe The gospel is for all people. I believe The gospel is for all people. I believe that he is my king. He is my lord. He is that he is my king. He is my lord. He is that he is my king. He is my lord. He is my God. And that steeled spine doesn't my God. And that steeled spine doesn't my God. And that steeled spine doesn't mean I have a calloused outward mean I have a calloused outward mean I have a calloused outward approach, but yet we are welcoming, approach, but yet we are welcoming, approach, but yet we are welcoming, hospitable people that love all. And so hospitable people that love all. And so hospitable people that love all. And so this is what happens inside of the book this is what happens inside of the book this is what happens inside of the book of Romans. And so I want to give you the of Romans. And so I want to give you the of Romans. And so I want to give you the key idea. Here is the key idea. All 16 key idea. Here is the key idea. All 16 key idea. Here is the key idea. All 16 chapters, every single week, we're going chapters, every single week, we're going chapters, every single week, we're going to come around this idea. You're going to come around this idea. You're going to come around this idea. You're going to feel it. And the key idea is to feel it. And the key idea is to feel it. And the key idea is cristoformity. cristoformity. cristoformity. Let's say the word cristoformmity on Let's say the word cristoformmity on Let's say the word cristoformmity on three all of our campuses. One, two, three all of our campuses. One, two, three all of our campuses. One, two, three. Cristoformmity, three. Cristoformmity, three. Cristoformmity, the formation of Christ.

the formation of Christ. the formation of Christ. Now, it's been a hot summer. Now, this Now, it's been a hot summer. Now, this Now, it's been a hot summer. Now, this week, I don't know if it was this way at week, I don't know if it was this way at week, I don't know if it was this way at your house, but like the weather people your house, but like the weather people your house, but like the weather people were scaring me to death. I thought we were scaring me to death. I thought we were scaring me to death. I thought we were going to have like torrential down were going to have like torrential down were going to have like torrential down downpours all week long. Eight, they downpours all week long. Eight, they downpours all week long. Eight, they were talking about 8 inches of rain. It were talking about 8 inches of rain. It were talking about 8 inches of rain. It was going to get crazy around here. But was going to get crazy around here. But was going to get crazy around here. But generally, it has been hot this summer, generally, it has been hot this summer, generally, it has been hot this summer, has it not? And we don't have a a pool has it not? And we don't have a a pool has it not? And we don't have a a pool at my house. We have some of those at my house. We have some of those at my house. We have some of those plastic Walmart pools, you know, the plastic Walmart pools, you know, the plastic Walmart pools, you know, the ones you fill up. And we got two or ones you fill up. And we got two or ones you fill up. And we got two or three of those. And then we, my wife, three of those. And then we, my wife, three of those. And then we, my wife, we've got three kids, uh, that are old we've got three kids, uh, that are old we've got three kids, uh, that are old enough to get outside and play. And enough to get outside and play. And enough to get outside and play. And mamas, I don't know if you've done this. mamas, I don't know if you've done this. mamas, I don't know if you've done this. Have you ever done the move? I need you Have you ever done the move? I need you Have you ever done the move? I need you guys to get out of the house. guys to get out of the house. guys to get out of the house. Anybody ever lock the door behind them. Anybody ever lock the door behind them. Anybody ever lock the door behind them. Let's be honest, we're in church. Uh, we Let's be honest, we're in church. Uh, we Let's be honest, we're in church. Uh, we we definitely will lock the door behind we definitely will lock the door behind we definitely will lock the door behind them. We'll say, "Okay, next hour, don't them. We'll say, "Okay, next hour, don't them. We'll say, "Okay, next hour, don't come inside." Nope. No drinks of water. come inside." Nope. No drinks of water. come inside." Nope. No drinks of water. No, no, no. Drink it out of the hose. No, no, no. Drink it out of the hose. No, no, no. Drink it out of the hose. There's plenty of water. It's right There's plenty of water. It's right There's plenty of water. It's right there in the hose. All right. Play on there in the hose. All right. Play on there in the hose. All right. Play on the trampoline. Play on Do whatever you the trampoline. Play on Do whatever you the trampoline. Play on Do whatever you want. Leave this house. Leave this want. Leave this house. Leave this want. Leave this house. Leave this house. Click. Door locked. Okay. They go house. Click. Door locked. Okay. They go house. Click. Door locked. Okay. They go outside and there is this invention. outside and there is this invention. outside and there is this invention. Have you guys seen these water balloon Have you guys seen these water balloon Have you guys seen these water balloon inventions that they've made where you inventions that they've made where you inventions that they've made where you buy like this whole thing instead of buy like this whole thing instead of buy like this whole thing instead of having to like do them yourself, you you having to like do them yourself, you you having to like do them yourself, you you just fill them up and there's like a just fill them up and there's like a just fill them up and there's like a hundred water balloons that is right out hundred water balloons that is right out hundred water balloons that is right out of there. I think you can get them at of there. I think you can get them at of there. I think you can get them at Sam's Club. So, we get the water Sam's Club. So, we get the water Sam's Club. So, we get the water balloons and we do the pool and uh we balloons and we do the pool and uh we balloons and we do the pool and uh we invite our neighbors, which is Pastor invite our neighbors, which is Pastor invite our neighbors, which is Pastor Riley and his boys and they get over and Riley and his boys and they get over and Riley and his boys and they get over and they have like a water fight. Water they have like a water fight. Water they have like a water fight. Water fights in the summer are the best. And fights in the summer are the best. And fights in the summer are the best. And you can see the water fight begin to you can see the water fight begin to you can see the water fight begin to escalate. It starts with like the water escalate. It starts with like the water escalate. It starts with like the water balloons, right? and splash splash and balloons, right? and splash splash and balloons, right? and splash splash and maybe maybe there's not too many tears, maybe maybe there's not too many tears, maybe maybe there's not too many tears, too many fights, but then they move to too many fights, but then they move to too many fights, but then they move to the water guns and then somebody gets the water guns and then somebody gets the water guns and then somebody gets the bright idea to grab the hose, the bright idea to grab the hose, the bright idea to grab the hose, right? And so they start off with a

right? And so they start off with a right? And so they start off with a hose, but then if you're smart and you hose, but then if you're smart and you hose, but then if you're smart and you you don't want to get squirted with the you don't want to get squirted with the you don't want to get squirted with the hose, what do you do? You run over and hose, what do you do? You run over and hose, what do you do? You run over and you grab the hose and you do what? Boom. you grab the hose and you do what? Boom. you grab the hose and you do what? Boom. You kink it. Now the hose has no power. You kink it. Now the hose has no power. You kink it. Now the hose has no power. Now, this is the image I believe that Now, this is the image I believe that Now, this is the image I believe that that the Lord wants to do at New Spring that the Lord wants to do at New Spring that the Lord wants to do at New Spring Church over these weeks. He wants to Church over these weeks. He wants to Church over these weeks. He wants to uncink the hose and let the power of the uncink the hose and let the power of the uncink the hose and let the power of the gospel flow. gospel flow. gospel flow. And you may be hearing a believer and And you may be hearing a believer and And you may be hearing a believer and you've been walking with the Lord, but you've been walking with the Lord, but you've been walking with the Lord, but but your life perhaps you don't feel but your life perhaps you don't feel but your life perhaps you don't feel like there's the power of the gospel like there's the power of the gospel like there's the power of the gospel flowing. And I believe that this flowing. And I believe that this flowing. And I believe that this christoformmity idea is the way that the christoformmity idea is the way that the christoformmity idea is the way that the gospel wants to flow. And so I I want to gospel wants to flow. And so I I want to gospel wants to flow. And so I I want to show you three of them in the rest of my show you three of them in the rest of my show you three of them in the rest of my time that it's in the book. It's the time that it's in the book. It's the time that it's in the book. It's the main idea in Romans. And this it's a main idea in Romans. And this it's a main idea in Romans. And this it's a lot. It's a lot in the book of Romans, lot. It's a lot in the book of Romans, lot. It's a lot in the book of Romans, but I want you to make sure you get it. but I want you to make sure you get it. but I want you to make sure you get it. And here's what what I want to make sure And here's what what I want to make sure And here's what what I want to make sure you see. This cristoformity is you see. This cristoformity is you see. This cristoformity is everywhere in the book. And there's everywhere in the book. And there's everywhere in the book. And there's three places you'll see it. The first three places you'll see it. The first three places you'll see it. The first one, write down this idea. This is what one, write down this idea. This is what one, write down this idea. This is what it means to live by faith. This this it means to live by faith. This this it means to live by faith. This this Christoformity idea, this first idea is Christoformity idea, this first idea is Christoformity idea, this first idea is that we have a faith that forms that we have a faith that forms that we have a faith that forms individuals into the image of Christ.

individuals into the image of Christ. individuals into the image of Christ. One of the things that this book, this One of the things that this book, this One of the things that this book, this letter, God's word in our hands and his letter, God's word in our hands and his letter, God's word in our hands and his spirit in our heart wants to do is it spirit in our heart wants to do is it spirit in our heart wants to do is it wants to convince you wants to convince you wants to convince you and nudge you into being formed into and nudge you into being formed into and nudge you into being formed into Christ. That's what a really famous Christ. That's what a really famous Christ. That's what a really famous passage in the middle of the book passage in the middle of the book passage in the middle of the book actually says exactly. Romans 8:28-29, actually says exactly. Romans 8:28-29, actually says exactly. Romans 8:28-29, Paul writes in this letter, "And we know Paul writes in this letter, "And we know Paul writes in this letter, "And we know that for those who love God, all things that for those who love God, all things that for those who love God, all things work together for good for those who are work together for good for those who are work together for good for those who are called according to his purposes." Look called according to his purposes." Look called according to his purposes." Look right here at 29. for those whom he right here at 29. for those whom he right here at 29. for those whom he forneew Christians he predestined and he forneew Christians he predestined and he forneew Christians he predestined and he predestined you and me to be conformed predestined you and me to be conformed predestined you and me to be conformed to the image of his son. to the image of his son. to the image of his son. So I just want you to see that God's So I just want you to see that God's So I just want you to see that God's dream goal desire for all of us is not dream goal desire for all of us is not dream goal desire for all of us is not that we would just that we would just that we would just give our life to Christ, walk an aisle, give our life to Christ, walk an aisle, give our life to Christ, walk an aisle, pray a prayer and stop right there and pray a prayer and stop right there and pray a prayer and stop right there and remain in status quo. We are called to remain in status quo. We are called to remain in status quo. We are called to formation for the rest of our days until formation for the rest of our days until formation for the rest of our days until we are all looking like Jesus. He is we are all looking like Jesus. He is we are all looking like Jesus. He is giving us his word and his spirit and giving us his word and his spirit and giving us his word and his spirit and and the the the momentum of this letter and the the the momentum of this letter and the the the momentum of this letter and the momentum of the gospel is that and the momentum of the gospel is that and the momentum of the gospel is that we are called to continue to change we are called to continue to change we are called to continue to change continue to be conformed to the image of continue to be conformed to the image of continue to be conformed to the image of his son. In chapter 12, he actually says his son. In chapter 12, he actually says his son. In chapter 12, he actually says the opposite. It's another famous the opposite. It's another famous the opposite. It's another famous passage in Romans. In Romans 12:es 1 and passage in Romans. In Romans 12:es 1 and passage in Romans. In Romans 12:es 1 and 2, it says this. Paul writes, "I appeal 2, it says this. Paul writes, "I appeal 2, it says this. Paul writes, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, sisters, by to you therefore, brothers, sisters, by to you therefore, brothers, sisters, by the mercies of God," that's the grounds the mercies of God," that's the grounds the mercies of God," that's the grounds for his appeal, "to present your bodies

for his appeal, "to present your bodies for his appeal, "to present your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and as living sacrifices, holy and as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, which is your acceptable to God, which is your acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." Look at verse two. spiritual worship." Look at verse two. spiritual worship." Look at verse two. What's it say? Do not be conformed to What's it say? Do not be conformed to What's it say? Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the this world, but be transformed by the this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. renewal of your mind. renewal of your mind. So, let's just leave that up there for a So, let's just leave that up there for a So, let's just leave that up there for a moment. Two things are happening here. moment. Two things are happening here. moment. Two things are happening here. He's giving us his spirit so we might be He's giving us his spirit so we might be He's giving us his spirit so we might be formed into the image of God. And he's formed into the image of God. And he's formed into the image of God. And he's calling us, all of us, to not be calling us, all of us, to not be calling us, all of us, to not be conformed to this world. There is no conformed to this world. There is no conformed to this world. There is no standing still in the Christian life. There is no maintenance mode in There is no maintenance mode in Christian life. Christian life. Christian life. I know that we can kind of get caught up I know that we can kind of get caught up I know that we can kind of get caught up in the status quo and kind of the in the status quo and kind of the in the status quo and kind of the rhythms and the routines, but I want you rhythms and the routines, but I want you rhythms and the routines, but I want you to see the the the gospel will not allow to see the the the gospel will not allow to see the the the gospel will not allow us to stand still. I uh was meeting just us to stand still. I uh was meeting just us to stand still. I uh was meeting just the other day with a young man uh who the other day with a young man uh who the other day with a young man uh who has been talking about a call and has been talking about a call and has been talking about a call and ministry in his heart. And we were ministry in his heart. And we were ministry in his heart. And we were talking about this and I I had this talking about this and I I had this talking about this and I I had this sermon in the back of my mind and I was sermon in the back of my mind and I was sermon in the back of my mind and I was telling him one of the best truths that telling him one of the best truths that telling him one of the best truths that I've ever thought of is that I've ever thought of is that I've ever thought of is that Christianity is like a hot air balloon.

Christianity is like a hot air balloon. Christianity is like a hot air balloon. Really? He said, "Yeah, you're either Really? He said, "Yeah, you're either Really? He said, "Yeah, you're either going up up up or you're slowly or fast going up up up or you're slowly or fast going up up up or you're slowly or fast faster and faster going down down down. faster and faster going down down down. faster and faster going down down down. You are never staying still in the You are never staying still in the You are never staying still in the Christian life." Christian life." Christian life." And I kid you not, 10 minutes go by, And I kid you not, 10 minutes go by, And I kid you not, 10 minutes go by, we're having coffee at Starbucks and I we're having coffee at Starbucks and I we're having coffee at Starbucks and I look out the window and there's a hot look out the window and there's a hot look out the window and there's a hot air balloon and he said, "Did you see air balloon and he said, "Did you see air balloon and he said, "Did you see that when you were telling me?" I said, that when you were telling me?" I said, that when you were telling me?" I said, "No, man." And and all my arms, here "No, man." And and all my arms, here "No, man." And and all my arms, here comes the here comes the the goosebumps, comes the here comes the the goosebumps, comes the here comes the the goosebumps, right? It's like, man, so I want you to right? It's like, man, so I want you to right? It's like, man, so I want you to get that there is no standing still in get that there is no standing still in get that there is no standing still in the Christian life. You're either the Christian life. You're either the Christian life. You're either allowing the Holy Spirit to continue to allowing the Holy Spirit to continue to allowing the Holy Spirit to continue to form you into the image of God, [sighs] form you into the image of God, [sighs] form you into the image of God, [sighs] or maybe slowly at first, you're or maybe slowly at first, you're or maybe slowly at first, you're allowing the coolness of the formation allowing the coolness of the formation allowing the coolness of the formation plan of the world to conform you to it plan of the world to conform you to it plan of the world to conform you to it and its ideals. And you know that the and its ideals. And you know that the and its ideals. And you know that the world has a formation plan, don't you? world has a formation plan, don't you? world has a formation plan, don't you? It's trying with all its might to form It's trying with all its might to form It's trying with all its might to form you into the image of this culture. And you into the image of this culture. And you into the image of this culture. And I want to invite you and encourage you, I want to invite you and encourage you, I want to invite you and encourage you, lean into the Holy Spirit and God's word lean into the Holy Spirit and God's word lean into the Holy Spirit and God's word in these days and let the Lord get you in these days and let the Lord get you in these days and let the Lord get you formed into the image of his son. That's formed into the image of his son. That's formed into the image of his son. That's his plan. That's his heart. That's his his plan. That's his heart. That's his his plan. That's his heart. That's his desire. That's what he wants to do. Now, desire. That's what he wants to do. Now, desire. That's what he wants to do. Now, the second thing is that this living the second thing is that this living the second thing is that this living faith, it doesn't just form us faith, it doesn't just form us faith, it doesn't just form us individually uh into the image of his individually uh into the image of his individually uh into the image of his son, but it's actually going to form us son, but it's actually going to form us son, but it's actually going to form us collectively into the body of Christ.

collectively into the body of Christ. collectively into the body of Christ. Now, I want to take a moment right here Now, I want to take a moment right here Now, I want to take a moment right here because in Western American because in Western American because in Western American Christianity, I think we have done a lot Christianity, I think we have done a lot Christianity, I think we have done a lot of great work over the last several of great work over the last several of great work over the last several decades to make sure that people decades to make sure that people decades to make sure that people understand that they have to have an understand that they have to have an understand that they have to have an individual relationship with God. I individual relationship with God. I individual relationship with God. I mean, that's our vision statement at at mean, that's our vision statement at at mean, that's our vision statement at at this church. We know that God has this this church. We know that God has this this church. We know that God has this heart. He desires to see everyone heart. He desires to see everyone heart. He desires to see everyone everywhere in an everyday relationship. everywhere in an everyday relationship. everywhere in an everyday relationship. That is true. But we can overemphasize That is true. But we can overemphasize That is true. But we can overemphasize the individualistic nature of the gospel the individualistic nature of the gospel the individualistic nature of the gospel and underemphasize and undervalue the and underemphasize and undervalue the and underemphasize and undervalue the collective collective collective reality that God wants to form us into a reality that God wants to form us into a reality that God wants to form us into a body. body. body. And this wages war against the kind of And this wages war against the kind of And this wages war against the kind of Christianity that sits at home on a Christianity that sits at home on a Christianity that sits at home on a Sunday morning and doesn't come out to Sunday morning and doesn't come out to Sunday morning and doesn't come out to gather with the saints gather with the saints gather with the saints and says, "Well, I'm good. I'm going to and says, "Well, I'm good. I'm going to and says, "Well, I'm good. I'm going to heaven. I'm not worried about it. I can heaven. I'm not worried about it. I can heaven. I'm not worried about it. I can catch it on a podcast later. I'll watch catch it on a podcast later. I'll watch catch it on a podcast later. I'll watch it on YouTube. I'll I you know, I'll do it on YouTube. I'll I you know, I'll do it on YouTube. I'll I you know, I'll do it from my deer stand or whatever." it from my deer stand or whatever." it from my deer stand or whatever." And again, I don't want there to be too And again, I don't want there to be too And again, I don't want there to be too much shame here, but I want you to feel much shame here, but I want you to feel much shame here, but I want you to feel the right kind of conviction. There is a the right kind of conviction. There is a the right kind of conviction. There is a heart from God to form us into a body.

heart from God to form us into a body. heart from God to form us into a body. When Christ comes back, he's not coming When Christ comes back, he's not coming When Christ comes back, he's not coming back for an individual. He's coming back back for an individual. He's coming back back for an individual. He's coming back for the bride of Christ, the body of for the bride of Christ, the body of for the bride of Christ, the body of Christ. And Romans speaks to that Christ. And Romans speaks to that Christ. And Romans speaks to that incredibly clearly also in Romans 12. It incredibly clearly also in Romans 12. It incredibly clearly also in Romans 12. It puts us in this context. Let's read it puts us in this context. Let's read it puts us in this context. Let's read it together in chapter 12:es 3 and together in chapter 12:es 3 and together in chapter 12:es 3 and following. Paul writes,"For by the grace following. Paul writes,"For by the grace following. Paul writes,"For by the grace given to me, I say to everyone among you given to me, I say to everyone among you given to me, I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than not to think of himself more highly than not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think." Let's just pause he ought to think." Let's just pause he ought to think." Let's just pause right there. That's pride, right? right there. That's pride, right? right there. That's pride, right? Man, it's so easy to think of ourselves Man, it's so easy to think of ourselves Man, it's so easy to think of ourselves higher than we ought to. I We all higher than we ought to. I We all higher than we ought to. I We all struggle here. But watch what he goes on struggle here. But watch what he goes on struggle here. But watch what he goes on to say. But to think with sober to say. But to think with sober to say. But to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure judgment, each according to the measure judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as of faith that God has assigned. For as of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and in one body we have many members, and in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same the members do not all have the same the members do not all have the same function, so we function, so we function, so we though many are one body in Christ. And though many are one body in Christ. And though many are one body in Christ. And individually, we're members one of individually, we're members one of individually, we're members one of another. Now, he's going to list out another. Now, he's going to list out another. Now, he's going to list out some of these individuals. We have gifts some of these individuals. We have gifts some of these individuals. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given that differ according to the grace given that differ according to the grace given to us. So, let us use them. Can you feel to us. So, let us use them. Can you feel to us. So, let us use them. Can you feel his emphasis here? Let us use them. So his emphasis here? Let us use them. So his emphasis here? Let us use them. So if prophecy then in proportion to your if prophecy then in proportion to your if prophecy then in proportion to your faith, if service in your serving, the faith, if service in your serving, the faith, if service in your serving, the one who teaches in his teaching, the one one who teaches in his teaching, the one one who teaches in his teaching, the one who exhorts in his exhortation, the one who exhorts in his exhortation, the one who exhorts in his exhortation, the one who contributes in generosity, the one who contributes in generosity, the one who contributes in generosity, the one who leads with zeal. Trying to give who leads with zeal. Trying to give who leads with zeal. Trying to give y'all all the zeal I got this morning.

y'all all the zeal I got this morning. y'all all the zeal I got this morning. New spring church with zeal. And the one New spring church with zeal. And the one New spring church with zeal. And the one who does acts of mercy with who does acts of mercy with who does acts of mercy with cheerfulness. cheerfulness. cheerfulness. So, one of the truths that this letter So, one of the truths that this letter So, one of the truths that this letter is going to point out is that we're all is going to point out is that we're all is going to point out is that we're all called as Christ followers to be found called as Christ followers to be found called as Christ followers to be found inside of the body of Christ. I I just inside of the body of Christ. I I just inside of the body of Christ. I I just want to say that this is I'm so want to say that this is I'm so want to say that this is I'm so encouraged by so many of you that have encouraged by so many of you that have encouraged by so many of you that have leaned in over these last several months leaned in over these last several months leaned in over these last several months and said, I want to be a part of the and said, I want to be a part of the and said, I want to be a part of the body of Christ here. And so, if you're body of Christ here. And so, if you're body of Christ here. And so, if you're here and you're not a member of a local here and you're not a member of a local here and you're not a member of a local church, I just want to say, man, we'd church, I just want to say, man, we'd church, I just want to say, man, we'd love to have you here and be a part of love to have you here and be a part of love to have you here and be a part of the body of Christ here. Let me just the body of Christ here. Let me just the body of Christ here. Let me just celebrate for a moment. Last month in celebrate for a moment. Last month in celebrate for a moment. Last month in the middle of the summer, we had our the middle of the summer, we had our the middle of the summer, we had our largest membership class to date. Come largest membership class to date. Come largest membership class to date. Come on, y'all. We got to put our hands on, y'all. We got to put our hands on, y'all. We got to put our hands together and celebrate that. together and celebrate that. together and celebrate that. And so, if if you've been kind of And so, if if you've been kind of And so, if if you've been kind of kicking the tires on this this church kicking the tires on this this church kicking the tires on this this church thing, don't just settle for coming and thing, don't just settle for coming and thing, don't just settle for coming and being a part of worship, being a part of being a part of worship, being a part of being a part of worship, being a part of the preaching. Come and be a part of the preaching. Come and be a part of the preaching. Come and be a part of using your gifts in the context of the using your gifts in the context of the using your gifts in the context of the local church. That is how the Holy local church. That is how the Holy local church. That is how the Holy Spirit and his scripture encourages all Spirit and his scripture encourages all Spirit and his scripture encourages all of us to be found in context. I went on of us to be found in context. I went on of us to be found in context. I went on a tangent on social media this week and a tangent on social media this week and a tangent on social media this week and I just pointed this out. I I see I just pointed this out. I I see I just pointed this out. I I see something in my life in college something in my life in college something in my life in college especially and maybe perhaps in yours.

especially and maybe perhaps in yours. especially and maybe perhaps in yours. So many people are looking for Christian So many people are looking for Christian So many people are looking for Christian community. community. community. Our campus pastors did a fantastic job Our campus pastors did a fantastic job Our campus pastors did a fantastic job last week speaking about loneliness and last week speaking about loneliness and last week speaking about loneliness and how many of us we we can find Christian how many of us we we can find Christian how many of us we we can find Christian community. But one of the truths is you community. But one of the truths is you community. But one of the truths is you don't find Christian community by aiming don't find Christian community by aiming don't find Christian community by aiming at I want Christian community. That's at I want Christian community. That's at I want Christian community. That's that's not been my experience. That's that's not been my experience. That's that's not been my experience. That's actually been a pitfall. Community, like actually been a pitfall. Community, like actually been a pitfall. Community, like exhaust in a car, is the byproduct of exhaust in a car, is the byproduct of exhaust in a car, is the byproduct of co- lababoring. co- lababoring. co- lababoring. Um, we going on mission trips all over Um, we going on mission trips all over Um, we going on mission trips all over the place. I know at this campus this the place. I know at this campus this the place. I know at this campus this morning, you're actually going to get to morning, you're actually going to get to morning, you're actually going to get to celebrate the fact that this campus is celebrate the fact that this campus is celebrate the fact that this campus is going on a mission trip in a few weeks, going on a mission trip in a few weeks, going on a mission trip in a few weeks, but one of the things that I have seen but one of the things that I have seen but one of the things that I have seen 20 years ago almost, I got a chance to 20 years ago almost, I got a chance to 20 years ago almost, I got a chance to go on a mission trip to to Kenya. It was go on a mission trip to to Kenya. It was go on a mission trip to to Kenya. It was the first time as a medical mission the first time as a medical mission the first time as a medical mission trip. And I did not go on that mission trip. And I did not go on that mission trip. And I did not go on that mission trip to find Christian community. trip to find Christian community. trip to find Christian community. But I have come back and I greet every But I have come back and I greet every But I have come back and I greet every single week. I saw a couple of them come single week. I saw a couple of them come single week. I saw a couple of them come through the doors this morning and I through the doors this morning and I through the doors this morning and I know another one's coming at the Olympic know another one's coming at the Olympic know another one's coming at the Olympic team. Some of my best church friends team. Some of my best church friends team. Some of my best church friends that I have had at New Spring Church. I that I have had at New Spring Church. I that I have had at New Spring Church. I got to know them on that mission trip.

got to know them on that mission trip. got to know them on that mission trip. And we did not go to Kenya to find And we did not go to Kenya to find And we did not go to Kenya to find community. We went to Kenya to co- labor community. We went to Kenya to co- labor community. We went to Kenya to co- labor for Christ. And it was in that for Christ. And it was in that for Christ. And it was in that co-aboring that I found my very best co-aboring that I found my very best co-aboring that I found my very best friends there. It's the same thing is friends there. It's the same thing is friends there. It's the same thing is true when it came to fuse. 20 years ago true when it came to fuse. 20 years ago true when it came to fuse. 20 years ago when I started to serve in the student when I started to serve in the student when I started to serve in the student ministry here, I found my very best ministry here, I found my very best ministry here, I found my very best friends. I'm talking about the people friends. I'm talking about the people friends. I'm talking about the people that stood with Corey and I on our that stood with Corey and I on our that stood with Corey and I on our wedding day. They were I didn't I didn't wedding day. They were I didn't I didn't wedding day. They were I didn't I didn't aim and say I'm trying to find my, you aim and say I'm trying to find my, you aim and say I'm trying to find my, you know, my groomsman on the, you know, know, my groomsman on the, you know, know, my groomsman on the, you know, serving at Fuse, but I found them. And I serving at Fuse, but I found them. And I serving at Fuse, but I found them. And I just want you to see that this is so just want you to see that this is so just want you to see that this is so significant. So, if you are just significant. So, if you are just significant. So, if you are just settling for just being out there settling for just being out there settling for just being out there floating around in individualistic floating around in individualistic floating around in individualistic anonymity, lean in in these days and let anonymity, lean in in these days and let anonymity, lean in in these days and let the Lord encourage you to jump in and be the Lord encourage you to jump in and be the Lord encourage you to jump in and be a part of the body of Christ because a part of the body of Christ because a part of the body of Christ because that's what this living faith does. It that's what this living faith does. It that's what this living faith does. It doesn't just form us into the image, it doesn't just form us into the image, it doesn't just form us into the image, it forms us into the body. If you'll forms us into the body. If you'll forms us into the body. If you'll receive that, say amen. Amen. Third, and receive that, say amen. Amen. Third, and receive that, say amen. Amen. Third, and finally, this living faith, it forms finally, this living faith, it forms finally, this living faith, it forms individuals into the mission of Christ. individuals into the mission of Christ. individuals into the mission of Christ. Let's see it in the text. famous Let's see it in the text. famous Let's see it in the text. famous passage. It's in Romans chapter 10. Pick passage. It's in Romans chapter 10. Pick passage. It's in Romans chapter 10. Pick it up in verse 14. Paul emphasizes this.

it up in verse 14. Paul emphasizes this. it up in verse 14. Paul emphasizes this. And he says, "How then will they, the And he says, "How then will they, the And he says, "How then will they, the world, how will they call on him in whom world, how will they call on him in whom world, how will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they they have not believed? And how are they they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have to believe in him of whom they have to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear never heard? And how are they to hear never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are without someone preaching? And how are without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As they to preach unless they are sent? As they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, how beautiful are the it is written, how beautiful are the it is written, how beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news. feet of those who preach the good news. feet of those who preach the good news. One of the things that you're going to One of the things that you're going to One of the things that you're going to catch in this letter that Paul writes is catch in this letter that Paul writes is catch in this letter that Paul writes is that 100% of Christians are called to that 100% of Christians are called to that 100% of Christians are called to live on mission. live on mission. live on mission. It is the vocation of every Christian. It is the vocation of every Christian. It is the vocation of every Christian. It's not just the vocation of folks like It's not just the vocation of folks like It's not just the vocation of folks like me or or Dan or Clayton or your your me or or Dan or Clayton or your your me or or Dan or Clayton or your your campus. It's No, no. It's the vocation campus. It's No, no. It's the vocation campus. It's No, no. It's the vocation of every Christian. We're called to live of every Christian. We're called to live of every Christian. We're called to live on mission and we're called to be sent. on mission and we're called to be sent. on mission and we're called to be sent. I love Sunday mornings because there's I love Sunday mornings because there's I love Sunday mornings because there's so many celebrations that begin to so many celebrations that begin to so many celebrations that begin to happen in my phone overnight while I happen in my phone overnight while I happen in my phone overnight while I sleep. And this morning, many of us woke sleep. And this morning, many of us woke sleep. And this morning, many of us woke up to text messages from our church up to text messages from our church up to text messages from our church plant in Melbourne, Australia. Josh, plant in Melbourne, Australia. Josh, plant in Melbourne, Australia. Josh, Bull, and TA, they actually just went Bull, and TA, they actually just went Bull, and TA, they actually just went over uh 20 baptisms in that church over uh 20 baptisms in that church over uh 20 baptisms in that church plant. And they had baptisms today. And plant. And they had baptisms today. And plant. And they had baptisms today. And there are people in Melbourne, Australia there are people in Melbourne, Australia there are people in Melbourne, Australia that are coming to faith because you that are coming to faith because you that are coming to faith because you know why? New Spring Church, you sent know why? New Spring Church, you sent know why? New Spring Church, you sent them. We We were able to be a part of them. We We were able to be a part of them. We We were able to be a part of raising up Josh and TA and we were able raising up Josh and TA and we were able raising up Josh and TA and we were able to to call they felt called and and they to to call they felt called and and they to to call they felt called and and they went they relocated their life with went they relocated their life with went they relocated their life with their two boys and they went to their two boys and they went to their two boys and they went to Melbourne, Australia and you sent them Melbourne, Australia and you sent them Melbourne, Australia and you sent them there. Not only did I get that text

there. Not only did I get that text there. Not only did I get that text message, but Robbie Green uh sent me a message, but Robbie Green uh sent me a message, but Robbie Green uh sent me a text this morning from from our our New text this morning from from our our New text this morning from from our our New Network and we also got to see Simon Network and we also got to see Simon Network and we also got to see Simon who's our Kenya church plant. They've who's our Kenya church plant. They've who's our Kenya church plant. They've had baptisms this morning too o over in had baptisms this morning too o over in had baptisms this morning too o over in Kenya. So, we wake up here in the east Kenya. So, we wake up here in the east Kenya. So, we wake up here in the east coast of America and there's already coast of America and there's already coast of America and there's already been churches that you and I have been a been churches that you and I have been a been churches that you and I have been a part of sending that have already part of sending that have already part of sending that have already baptized and preached the gospel and baptized and preached the gospel and baptized and preached the gospel and celebrated the good news because you and celebrated the good news because you and celebrated the good news because you and I were willing to talk about sending I were willing to talk about sending I were willing to talk about sending churches into the earth. And so, I just churches into the earth. And so, I just churches into the earth. And so, I just I want to say as we get ready to go back I want to say as we get ready to go back I want to say as we get ready to go back to school and go back to work and get to school and go back to work and get to school and go back to work and get back into the college flow, I want you back into the college flow, I want you back into the college flow, I want you to feel the wind of God behind your back to feel the wind of God behind your back to feel the wind of God behind your back sending you into that space. sending you into that space. sending you into that space. Every one of us has a role in a place Every one of us has a role in a place Every one of us has a role in a place and a neighbor and a neighborhood in a and a neighbor and a neighborhood in a and a neighbor and a neighborhood in a community, in an apartment complex, in a community, in an apartment complex, in a community, in an apartment complex, in a biology class and a ball team. And you biology class and a ball team. And you biology class and a ball team. And you need to know that the Holy Spirit is need to know that the Holy Spirit is need to know that the Holy Spirit is sending you to go on mission there. You sending you to go on mission there. You sending you to go on mission there. You and I have been sent by God. and I have been sent by God. and I have been sent by God. Now, back to that illustration I used at Now, back to that illustration I used at Now, back to that illustration I used at the very beginning as we come to a time the very beginning as we come to a time the very beginning as we come to a time of thinking about closing here. You know of thinking about closing here. You know of thinking about closing here. You know the Bible says in Romans 1:16-1 17 a the Bible says in Romans 1:16-1 17 a the Bible says in Romans 1:16-1 17 a control if you don't mind would you go control if you don't mind would you go control if you don't mind would you go back and let's grab that Romans 1:16-1 back and let's grab that Romans 1:16-1 back and let's grab that Romans 1:16-1 17 to conclude today and this is the 17 to conclude today and this is the 17 to conclude today and this is the thesis statement for the entire book thesis statement for the entire book thesis statement for the entire book newpring family Romans 1:16-1 17 Paul newpring family Romans 1:16-1 17 Paul newpring family Romans 1:16-1 17 Paul says for I am not ashamed of the gospel says for I am not ashamed of the gospel says for I am not ashamed of the gospel for it is the what new spring church it for it is the what new spring church it for it is the what new spring church it is the power it's the power of God for is the power it's the power of God for is the power it's the power of God for salvation

salvation salvation to who everyone one who believes to the to who everyone one who believes to the to who everyone one who believes to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For it Jew first and also to the Greek. For it Jew first and also to the Greek. For it is the righteousness of God. In it, the is the righteousness of God. In it, the is the righteousness of God. In it, the righteousness of God is revealed from righteousness of God is revealed from righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith. It is written, "The faith for faith. It is written, "The faith for faith. It is written, "The righteous shall live by faith." Leave righteous shall live by faith." Leave righteous shall live by faith." Leave that up there for a moment. I want you that up there for a moment. I want you that up there for a moment. I want you to see something. I want you to see that to see something. I want you to see that to see something. I want you to see that God has intended your life and mine to God has intended your life and mine to God has intended your life and mine to be a life that is marked by power. be a life that is marked by power. be a life that is marked by power. Not not like moving barbell power, not Not not like moving barbell power, not Not not like moving barbell power, not like financial power, not like the power like financial power, not like the power like financial power, not like the power of your name, but power of the gospel. of your name, but power of the gospel. of your name, but power of the gospel. And if you feel like that maybe your And if you feel like that maybe your And if you feel like that maybe your life is like that crimped hose, I want life is like that crimped hose, I want life is like that crimped hose, I want you to see that the Lord is calling you you to see that the Lord is calling you you to see that the Lord is calling you to be formed in the power of the gospel to be formed in the power of the gospel to be formed in the power of the gospel to flow so that you and I would look to flow so that you and I would look to flow so that you and I would look more like Jesus at the end of this more like Jesus at the end of this more like Jesus at the end of this series than we do at the beginning. And series than we do at the beginning. And series than we do at the beginning. And maybe you feel like that crimtos and maybe you feel like that crimtos and maybe you feel like that crimtos and that you you're here, but you're not a that you you're here, but you're not a that you you're here, but you're not a part of the family and you want to step part of the family and you want to step part of the family and you want to step into more community and be a part of the into more community and be a part of the into more community and be a part of the the body of Christ. God wants to give the body of Christ. God wants to give the body of Christ. God wants to give you some power there in these days. Or you some power there in these days. Or you some power there in these days. Or perhaps you've been kind of just living perhaps you've been kind of just living perhaps you've been kind of just living for the next paycheck or the pay raise for the next paycheck or the pay raise for the next paycheck or the pay raise or to graduate and you you haven't or to graduate and you you haven't or to graduate and you you haven't really felt purpose and God wants to really felt purpose and God wants to really felt purpose and God wants to give you purpose in your daily life give you purpose in your daily life give you purpose in your daily life through the power of living on mission through the power of living on mission through the power of living on mission wherever you go. And you can hear that.

wherever you go. And you can hear that. wherever you go. And you can hear that. And I know when I sit in a message like And I know when I sit in a message like And I know when I sit in a message like this, my nature hears that and I go, this, my nature hears that and I go, this, my nature hears that and I go, "Man, I really should do more. I really "Man, I really should do more. I really "Man, I really should do more. I really should try harder." And I just want you should try harder." And I just want you should try harder." And I just want you to know, look at me in the eyes. The to know, look at me in the eyes. The to know, look at me in the eyes. The gospel is not about doing more and gospel is not about doing more and gospel is not about doing more and trying harder. It's about surrender. trying harder. It's about surrender. trying harder. It's about surrender. And so, you're not going to see the And so, you're not going to see the And so, you're not going to see the power of God show up in your life by power of God show up in your life by power of God show up in your life by doing more to try to be like Jesus or doing more to try to be like Jesus or doing more to try to be like Jesus or trying harder to be a part of the local trying harder to be a part of the local trying harder to be a part of the local church. It's not about doing more or church. It's not about doing more or church. It's not about doing more or trying harder. It's about surrendering trying harder. It's about surrendering trying harder. It's about surrendering and letting the Holy Spirit flow and and letting the Holy Spirit flow and and letting the Holy Spirit flow and animate your life and bring you into animate your life and bring you into animate your life and bring you into relationship and show you the people in relationship and show you the people in relationship and show you the people in your neighborhoods or your community or your neighborhoods or your community or your neighborhoods or your community or your workspace that need the good news your workspace that need the good news your workspace that need the good news gospel in their life. And you're going gospel in their life. And you're going gospel in their life. And you're going to see God do amazing things. New new to see God do amazing things. New new to see God do amazing things. New new New Spring Church, we are going to see New Spring Church, we are going to see New Spring Church, we are going to see God do amazing things this fall. Get God do amazing things this fall. Get God do amazing things this fall. Get ready. It's coming. There's going to be ready. It's coming. There's going to be ready. It's coming. There's going to be thousands more people begin to start thousands more people begin to start thousands more people begin to start attending our church gatherings over the attending our church gatherings over the attending our church gatherings over the next six weeks. Thousands. And you are next six weeks. Thousands. And you are next six weeks. Thousands. And you are going to be a part of seeing many of going to be a part of seeing many of going to be a part of seeing many of them take steps towards the Lord, give them take steps towards the Lord, give them take steps towards the Lord, give their lives to Christ, operate in a way their lives to Christ, operate in a way their lives to Christ, operate in a way that throws off the depression or the that throws off the depression or the that throws off the depression or the loneliness or the addiction. You're loneliness or the addiction. You're loneliness or the addiction. You're going to see it. But you and I, in order going to see it. But you and I, in order going to see it. But you and I, in order to see this, we're not going to start to see this, we're not going to start to see this, we're not going to start seeing it by trying harder and doing seeing it by trying harder and doing seeing it by trying harder and doing more. You're going to see it by more. You're going to see it by more. You're going to see it by surrender.

surrender. surrender. The gospel good news. Then I just want The gospel good news. Then I just want The gospel good news. Then I just want to say this. Please don't go out of here to say this. Please don't go out of here to say this. Please don't go out of here and try harder today, but please let the and try harder today, but please let the and try harder today, but please let the gospel woo you to surrendering more. So, gospel woo you to surrendering more. So, gospel woo you to surrendering more. So, as we move into a time of response right as we move into a time of response right as we move into a time of response right here on all of our campuses, could I here on all of our campuses, could I here on all of our campuses, could I invite you to stand to your feet? I was gathered this week in Dallas with I was gathered this week in Dallas with a bunch of pastors that were a part of a a bunch of pastors that were a part of a a bunch of pastors that were a part of a church planting group and many of them church planting group and many of them church planting group and many of them were asking me about this time in our were asking me about this time in our were asking me about this time in our church because they have seen that Gen Z church because they have seen that Gen Z church because they have seen that Gen Z doesn't want to just come to church and doesn't want to just come to church and doesn't want to just come to church and leave but they want to encounter the leave but they want to encounter the leave but they want to encounter the living God. They want to encounter the living God. They want to encounter the living God. They want to encounter the body of Christ. One of the reasons that body of Christ. One of the reasons that body of Christ. One of the reasons that over the last several years, we have over the last several years, we have over the last several years, we have been incredibly intentional to create been incredibly intentional to create been incredibly intentional to create this next 10 to 15 minutes is because we this next 10 to 15 minutes is because we this next 10 to 15 minutes is because we want you to be equipped and encounter want you to be equipped and encounter want you to be equipped and encounter other members of this family so that you other members of this family so that you other members of this family so that you might be encouraged.

might be encouraged. might be encouraged. And so I want to invite some of those And so I want to invite some of those And so I want to invite some of those ministry teams to go ahead and come to ministry teams to go ahead and come to ministry teams to go ahead and come to their places. come to the altar where their places. come to the altar where their places. come to the altar where they're going to pray or come to the they're going to pray or come to the they're going to pray or come to the communion table where they're going to communion table where they're going to communion table where they're going to serve you communion or or some of these serve you communion or or some of these serve you communion or or some of these folks are here to pray and they're ready folks are here to pray and they're ready folks are here to pray and they're ready to to lay hands and pray with you for to to lay hands and pray with you for to to lay hands and pray with you for healing. They're ready to come and pray healing. They're ready to come and pray healing. They're ready to come and pray with you that you might be stirred in with you that you might be stirred in with you that you might be stirred in faith or to to help you lay a burden faith or to to help you lay a burden faith or to to help you lay a burden down if you feel like you need to lay a down if you feel like you need to lay a down if you feel like you need to lay a burden down. They're going to come and burden down. They're going to come and burden down. They're going to come and serve you the body and blood of Christ serve you the body and blood of Christ serve you the body and blood of Christ in a bit. All of those things are true, in a bit. All of those things are true, in a bit. All of those things are true, but I want you to see that the body but I want you to see that the body but I want you to see that the body right now is moving. And what we don't right now is moving. And what we don't right now is moving. And what we don't want to do is just buy in that want to do is just buy in that want to do is just buy in that Christianity is just about finding the Christianity is just about finding the Christianity is just about finding the right church where there's a sage on a right church where there's a sage on a right church where there's a sage on a stage that you lean into. stage that you lean into. stage that you lean into. The body of Christ is about the body of The body of Christ is about the body of The body of Christ is about the body of Christ. And we've got people here that Christ. And we've got people here that Christ. And we've got people here that are full of unbelievable service like are full of unbelievable service like are full of unbelievable service like Paul talked about and they're ready to Paul talked about and they're ready to Paul talked about and they're ready to serve diligently. We've got people here serve diligently. We've got people here serve diligently. We've got people here that are ready to exhort and encourage that are ready to exhort and encourage that are ready to exhort and encourage and they're exhorting and encouraging. and they're exhorting and encouraging. and they're exhorting and encouraging. We've got people that are part of the We've got people that are part of the We've got people that are part of the body and they're ready to do do body and they're ready to do do body and they're ready to do do contribution with generosity. They're contribution with generosity. They're contribution with generosity. They're ready to do love with gener. They're ready to do love with gener. They're ready to do love with gener. They're ready to to share a right now, right on ready to to share a right now, right on ready to to share a right now, right on time prophetic word with you to time prophetic word with you to time prophetic word with you to encourage your soul right now. But encourage your soul right now. But encourage your soul right now. But you've got to lean into the body of you've got to lean into the body of you've got to lean into the body of Christ. And right here they are. And so Christ. And right here they are. And so Christ. And right here they are. And so I'm going to pray and then I want to I'm going to pray and then I want to I'm going to pray and then I want to invite you to do not just settle for invite you to do not just settle for invite you to do not just settle for just status quo. You can't stand [music] just status quo. You can't stand [music] just status quo. You can't stand [music] still in your Christian journey. You're still in your Christian journey. You're still in your Christian journey. You're either pulling on that cord either pulling on that cord either pulling on that cord and flying high with Christ, becoming and flying high with Christ, becoming and flying high with Christ, becoming more like him in his grace and in his more like him in his grace and in his more like him in his grace and in his mercy, or you're cooling to the mercy, or you're cooling to the mercy, or you're cooling to the formation plan of the world. Slower at formation plan of the world. Slower at formation plan of the world. Slower at first, but then it picks up speed. Take

first, but then it picks up speed. Take first, but then it picks up speed. Take this moment today and let the Holy this moment today and let the Holy this moment today and let the Holy Spirit invite you to more surrender Spirit invite you to more surrender Spirit invite you to more surrender through this series. Let me pray and through this series. Let me pray and through this series. Let me pray and I'll let you respond. Father God, thank I'll let you respond. Father God, thank I'll let you respond. Father God, thank you. Thank you for this word from Romans you. Thank you for this word from Romans you. Thank you for this word from Romans that you gave your church 2,000 years that you gave your church 2,000 years that you gave your church 2,000 years ago and it is still reforming us today. ago and it is still reforming us today. ago and it is still reforming us today. And that's what we need, God. We need a And that's what we need, God. We need a And that's what we need, God. We need a reformation, a reformation of identity. reformation, a reformation of identity. reformation, a reformation of identity. Lord, I pray for the man or woman that Lord, I pray for the man or woman that Lord, I pray for the man or woman that needs to be reminded, you are the image needs to be reminded, you are the image needs to be reminded, you are the image of Christ. I know you make mistakes. I of Christ. I know you make mistakes. I of Christ. I know you make mistakes. I know you may be feeling like you're know you may be feeling like you're know you may be feeling like you're heavy today, but you are a perfect tin heavy today, but you are a perfect tin heavy today, but you are a perfect tin [music] in the eyes of Father God [music] in the eyes of Father God [music] in the eyes of Father God because of Christ and what he has done because of Christ and what he has done because of Christ and what he has done and you're receiving of him by faith. and you're receiving of him by faith. and you're receiving of him by faith. For those that came in heavy, they're For those that came in heavy, they're For those that came in heavy, they're carrying something. Maybe maybe they're carrying something. Maybe maybe they're carrying something. Maybe maybe they're they're frustrated with their their they're frustrated with their their they're frustrated with their their relationships or maybe they're they're relationships or maybe they're they're relationships or maybe they're they're having difficulty in their home or in having difficulty in their home or in having difficulty in their home or in their job. Lord, I pray today that you their job. Lord, I pray today that you their job. Lord, I pray today that you would allow them to lay their burden would allow them to lay their burden would allow them to lay their burden down. Let another brother or sister pray down. Let another brother or sister pray down. Let another brother or sister pray with them to encourage them so they're with them to encourage them so they're with them to encourage them so they're not alone. Lord, I pray for the man or not alone. Lord, I pray for the man or not alone. Lord, I pray for the man or woman or the family here that is they woman or the family here that is they woman or the family here that is they hearing from you today. They need to hearing from you today. They need to hearing from you today. They need to join. They need to be a part of the body join. They need to be a part of the body join. They need to be a part of the body intentionally a part of the body of intentionally a part of the body of intentionally a part of the body of Christ. Lord, I pray a blessing over Christ. Lord, I pray a blessing over Christ. Lord, I pray a blessing over them as they step into the journey of them as they step into the journey of them as they step into the journey of getting involved in the membership class getting involved in the membership class getting involved in the membership class and finding their spiritual gifts and and finding their spiritual gifts and and finding their spiritual gifts and finding their place in this community to finding their place in this community to finding their place in this community to serve so that we might live on mission serve so that we might live on mission serve so that we might live on mission at New Spring Church. Lord, we pray that at New Spring Church. Lord, we pray that at New Spring Church. Lord, we pray that you do it all for your glory. Do it all you do it all for your glory. Do it all you do it all for your glory. Do it all for your name, your renowned. do it for for your name, your renowned. do it for for your name, your renowned. do it for our great joy. And Lord, would you do it our great joy. And Lord, would you do it our great joy. And Lord, would you do it for the world's good? In Christ's name for the world's good? In Christ's name for the world's good? In Christ's name we pray. And in Christ's name we

we pray. And in Christ's name we we pray. And in Christ's name we respond. [music] And we say together, respond. [music] And we say together, respond. [music] And we say together, amen. Amen. Would you give the Lord a amen. Amen. Would you give the Lord a amen. Amen. Would you give the Lord a hand? Feel free to respond. So for those of us joining, maybe you've So for those of us joining, maybe you've been coming for a little bit. [music] Uh been coming for a little bit. [music] Uh been coming for a little bit. [music] Uh this time of response, there's lots of this time of response, there's lots of this time of response, there's lots of ways that we can do that. So you can see ways that we can do that. So you can see ways that we can do that. So you can see that people are moving right now to that people are moving right now to that people are moving right now to [music] [music] [music] uh respond through communion, uh respond through communion, uh respond through communion, remembering how Jesus gave his life for remembering how Jesus gave his life for remembering how Jesus gave his life for us and giving him thanks for that. Maybe us and giving him thanks for that. Maybe us and giving him thanks for that. Maybe like Brad said, you can come down front. like Brad said, you can come down front. like Brad said, you can come down front. We have people would love to pray We have people would love to pray We have people would love to pray [music] for you and with you. If you [music] for you and with you. If you [music] for you and with you. If you want to give your life to Jesus for the want to give your life to Jesus for the want to give your life to Jesus for the very first time and make that decision very first time and make that decision very first time and make that decision today, you can come to the cross over to today, you can come to the cross over to today, you can come to the cross over to my right, your left. You can also sing my right, your left. You can also sing my right, your left. You can also sing with us. Maybe this is a time to at your with us. Maybe this is a time to at your with us. Maybe this is a time to at your chair or with people [music] that you chair or with people [music] that you chair or with people [music] that you came with respond through praying, came with respond through praying, came with respond through praying, through singing, through sitting with through singing, through sitting with through singing, through sitting with God, reflecting. God, reflecting. God, reflecting. Everything is behind me on screen. I Everything is behind me on screen. I Everything is behind me on screen. I want to encourage all of us to take a want to encourage all of us to take a want to encourage all of us to take a step right now in response to what God step right now in response to what God step right now in response to what God is uh talking to us about today. So, is uh talking to us about today. So, is uh talking to us about today. So, let's all do that now.

>> I [music] cast my mind >> I [music] cast my mind to Calary to Calary to Calary where Jesus bled [singing and music] and died for me. and died for me. I see his wounds, [music] I see his wounds, [music] I see his wounds, [music] his [singing] hands, his feet. his [singing] hands, his feet. his [singing] hands, his feet. My savior on [music] My savior on [music] My savior on [music] that cursed tree, his [music] body [singing] his [music] body [singing] bound bound bound and drenched in [music] tears. and drenched in [music] tears. and drenched in [music] tears. They laid him down [singing] They laid him down [singing] They laid him down [singing] in Joseph's tomb, in Joseph's tomb, in Joseph's tomb, the entrance [music] sealed the entrance [music] sealed the entrance [music] sealed by heavy [singing] by heavy [singing] by heavy [singing] stone. stone. stone. beside us still [music] beside us still [music] beside us still [music] and all alone. Oh, [music and singing] praise the name Oh, [music and singing] praise the name of the Lord our God. [music] of the Lord our God. [music] of the Lord our God. [music] Oh, praise his name forever Oh, praise his name forever Oh, praise his name forever [music] more. For endless days we will [music] more. For endless days we will [music] more. For endless days we will sing your praise. Oh Lord.

sing your praise. Oh Lord. sing your praise. Oh Lord. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] Oh Lord our God. Oh Lord [music and singing] Oh Lord [music and singing] our God. [music] [music] >> Then on [singing] the third >> Then on [singing] the third >> Then on [singing] the third at [music] break of dawn, at [music] break of dawn, at [music] break of dawn, the sound of heaven the sound of heaven the sound of heaven [music] rose again. [music] rose again. [music] rose again. Oh trampled death, Oh trampled death, Oh trampled death, where is [music and singing] where is [music and singing] where is [music and singing] your sin? your sin? your sin? The angels roar The angels roar The angels roar for Christ the King. [music] for Christ the King. [music] for Christ the King. [music] Oh, oh, [music and singing] praise the name oh, [music and singing] praise the name of the Lord of the Lord of the Lord God. Oh, praise his [music and singing] God. Oh, praise his [music and singing] God. Oh, praise his [music and singing] name forever name forever name forever more. For endless [singing] things we more. For endless [singing] things we more. For endless [singing] things we will sing [music] your praise. Oh Lord.

will sing [music] your praise. Oh Lord. will sing [music] your praise. Oh Lord. Oh Lord our [music] God. >> Holy Spirit, [music] we submit to your >> Holy Spirit, [music] we submit to your lead today. lead today. lead today. However, you want to form us into the However, you want to form us into the However, you want to form us into the image of Christ. image of Christ. image of Christ. However, you want to form us [music] However, you want to form us [music] However, you want to form us [music] into the body of Christ, the mission of into the body of Christ, the mission of into the body of Christ, the mission of Christ. Show us our next steps today. Christ. Show us our next steps today. Christ. Show us our next steps today. We trust you. We [music] surrender more. We trust you. We [music] surrender more. We trust you. We [music] surrender more. Remembering the gospel, the power of God Remembering the gospel, the power of God Remembering the gospel, the power of God for all of us who believe. [music] [music] He shall return He shall return He shall return in robes of [music] white.

in robes of [music] white. in robes of [music] white. The blazing sun The blazing sun The blazing sun shall [music] pierce the night shall [music] pierce the night shall [music] pierce the night and I will rise and I will rise and I will rise among [music and singing] the saints. among [music and singing] the saints. among [music and singing] the saints. My gaze transfixed My gaze transfixed My gaze transfixed on Jesus [music] on Jesus [music] on Jesus [music] face. Come on, let's sing that again. He face. Come on, let's sing that again. He face. Come on, let's sing that again. He shall return. shall return. shall return. He shall return [music and singing] He shall return [music and singing] He shall return [music and singing] in robes of white. in robes of white. in robes of white. The [music and singing] blazing sun The [music and singing] blazing sun The [music and singing] blazing sun shall pierce the night shall pierce the night shall pierce the night and I will rise [music and singing] and I will rise [music and singing] and I will rise [music and singing] above the saint. Thank you Lord. My gaze above the saint. Thank you Lord. My gaze above the saint. Thank you Lord. My gaze [music] rest [music] rest [music] rest on Jesus. on Jesus. on Jesus. [music] [music]

[music] everyone. everyone. everyone. Oh, praise Oh, praise Oh, praise [music] [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. >> Christ [music] >> Christ [music] [singing] the we [music] made strong in the the we [music] made strong in the [singing] Savior's love [singing] Savior's love [singing] Savior's love through [music] the stor. through [music] the stor. through [music] the stor. He [music] [music] Christ [singing] [singing] we we we Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Oh, Oh, Oh, [singing] [music] Christ the

[music] Christ the cornerstone. cornerstone. cornerstone. The weak made [music] strong and the The weak made [music] strong and the The weak made [music] strong and the savior [singing] savior [singing] savior [singing] is love is love is love through [music] the storm. through [music] the storm. through [music] the storm. He is Lord. He is Lord. He is Lord. Lord of all. Yes. Let's pray. Uh Jesus, thank you so Yes. Let's pray. Uh Jesus, thank you so much for what you have done for us. much for what you have done for us. much for what you have done for us. The fact that sin has separated us from The fact that sin has separated us from The fact that sin has separated us from you, you, you, but yet [music] your gospel is so clear. but yet [music] your gospel is so clear. but yet [music] your gospel is so clear. The fact that you've come and died well, The fact that you've come and died well, The fact that you've come and died well, you've lived a perfect life. You've died you've lived a perfect life. You've died you've lived a perfect life. You've died on the cross for my sins and for all of on the cross for my sins and for all of on the cross for my sins and for all of ours, too. ours, too. ours, too. And God, we know that your word says And God, we know that your word says And God, we know that your word says that if we confess with our mouth that that if we confess with our mouth that that if we confess with our mouth that Jesus Christ is [music] Lord. We believe Jesus Christ is [music] Lord. We believe Jesus Christ is [music] Lord. We believe in our heart that he has been raised in our heart that he has been raised in our heart that he has been raised from the dead, we will be saved. And from the dead, we will be saved. And from the dead, we will be saved. And God, thank you for the fact that uh God, thank you for the fact that uh God, thank you for the fact that uh [music] that's happened this morning and [music] that's happened this morning and [music] that's happened this morning and you've done that for so many of us, Tom.

you've done that for so many of us, Tom. you've done that for so many of us, Tom. Um Um Um so we love you and we're grateful for so we love you and we're grateful for so we love you and we're grateful for you. It's in Jesus name we pray. Amen. you. It's in Jesus name we pray. Amen. you. It's in Jesus name we pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. Well, church, can we put our Amen. Amen. Well, church, can we put our Amen. Amen. Well, church, can we put our hands together to just give some praise hands together to just give some praise hands together to just give some praise to him again? to him again? to him again? Yes. Yes. Such a such a good morning. Uh Yes. Yes. Such a such a good morning. Uh Yes. Yes. Such a such a good morning. Uh I think there's a there's actionables I think there's a there's actionables I think there's a there's actionables [music] out of this message for each and [music] out of this message for each and [music] out of this message for each and every one of us. Maybe it was something every one of us. Maybe it was something every one of us. Maybe it was something around being formed into the image of around being formed into the image of around being formed into the image of God or being formed into his body or or God or being formed into his body or or God or being formed into his body or or being [music] formed into his mission. being [music] formed into his mission. being [music] formed into his mission. There's something for us today. And I There's something for us today. And I There's something for us today. And I want to encourage us all. Whatever it is want to encourage us all. Whatever it is want to encourage us all. Whatever it is that you heard uh the Holy Spirit nudge that you heard uh the Holy Spirit nudge that you heard uh the Holy Spirit nudge to you, take action on it. Don't let it to you, take action on it. Don't let it to you, take action on it. Don't let it just be something that that stays right just be something that that stays right just be something that that stays right here in this room, knowing that there's here in this room, knowing that there's here in this room, knowing that there's more of him on the other [music] side. more of him on the other [music] side. more of him on the other [music] side. Uh for you, if you're in this place and Uh for you, if you're in this place and Uh for you, if you're in this place and you're realizing, hey, I've been you're realizing, hey, I've been you're realizing, hey, I've been disconnected from the body, but I want disconnected from the body, but I want disconnected from the body, but I want to take a step in. You can simply text a to take a step in. You can simply text a to take a step in. You can simply text a member to 30303 and we would love uh to member to 30303 and we would love uh to member to 30303 and we would love uh to begin that conversation to to help bring begin that conversation to to help bring begin that conversation to to help bring you in on what God is doing in and you in on what God is doing in and you in on what God is doing in and through specifically NewSpring Church.

through specifically NewSpring Church. through specifically NewSpring Church. We'd love for you to hop in and be a We'd love for you to hop in and be a We'd love for you to hop in and be a part. I remember coming to New Spring part. I remember coming to New Spring part. I remember coming to New Spring for the first time and being like, "Wo, for the first time and being like, "Wo, for the first time and being like, "Wo, it's big. Wo, I don't really know it's big. Wo, I don't really know it's big. Wo, I don't really know anybody." But it had to come with me anybody." But it had to come with me anybody." But it had to come with me taking a step in. And I want to taking a step in. And I want to taking a step in. And I want to encourage you today. Take a step in encourage you today. Take a step in encourage you today. Take a step in [music] if that's you. Uh today, I also [music] if that's you. Uh today, I also [music] if that's you. Uh today, I also want to celebrate with us uh together. want to celebrate with us uh together. want to celebrate with us uh together. Brad mentioned it a second ago, but here Brad mentioned it a second ago, but here Brad mentioned it a second ago, but here in about two and a half weeks, [music] in about two and a half weeks, [music] in about two and a half weeks, [music] uh me and Tim Hack get the opportunity uh me and Tim Hack get the opportunity uh me and Tim Hack get the opportunity to lead a trip to Nairobi, Kenya. Yeah. to lead a trip to Nairobi, Kenya. Yeah. to lead a trip to Nairobi, Kenya. Yeah. And we have uh 14 people from this And we have uh 14 people from this And we have uh 14 people from this campus specifically that are going to be campus specifically that are going to be campus specifically that are going to be going on that trip. [music] So if you're going on that trip. [music] So if you're going on that trip. [music] So if you're one of those folks, would you just raise one of those folks, would you just raise one of those folks, would you just raise your hand in the air? Maybe some are your hand in the air? Maybe some are your hand in the air? Maybe some are here. Yep, I see some hands some hands here. Yep, I see some hands some hands here. Yep, I see some hands some hands up around. up around. up around. We would love for you guys to be praying We would love for you guys to be praying We would love for you guys to be praying for us as uh we get this opportunity to for us as uh we get this opportunity to for us as uh we get this opportunity to go partner with Danny and LJ Davis. Uh go partner with Danny and LJ Davis. Uh go partner with Danny and LJ Davis. Uh so if you uh want more information on so if you uh want more information on so if you uh want more information on [music] how you can be praying for that, [music] how you can be praying for that, [music] how you can be praying for that, you can simply text need to know to you can simply text need to know to you can simply text need to know to 30303 and that that information will 30303 and that that information will 30303 and that that information will come in the next couple of weeks uh as come in the next couple of weeks uh as come in the next couple of weeks uh as we get ready to head to take that trip we get ready to head to take that trip we get ready to head to take that trip to Kenya. So very excited [music] about to Kenya. So very excited [music] about to Kenya. So very excited [music] about that. Well church, as we get ready to that. Well church, as we get ready to that. Well church, as we get ready to leave this place, but never from his leave this place, but never from his leave this place, but never from his presence, would love uh to just bless presence, would love uh to just bless presence, would love uh to just bless you. So if you wouldn't mind putting you. So if you wouldn't mind putting you. So if you wouldn't mind putting your hands out in the posture to receive your hands out in the posture to receive your hands out in the posture to receive and we love to bless you on your way and we love to bless you on your way and we love to bless you on your way out. May you be conformed to the image out. May you be conformed to the image out. May you be conformed to the image of Christ and [music] transformed by the of Christ and [music] transformed by the of Christ and [music] transformed by the renewal of your mind so that you might renewal of your mind so that you might renewal of your mind so that you might live a life of worship. May you thrive live a life of worship. May you thrive live a life of worship. May you thrive in the body of Christ and live on in the body of Christ and live on in the body of Christ and live on mission that all might know the

mission that all might know the mission that all might know the salvation and hope that you've salvation and hope that you've salvation and hope that you've experienced in Jesus. Go now unashamed experienced in Jesus. Go now unashamed experienced in Jesus. Go now unashamed of the gospel, living a life that of the gospel, living a life that of the gospel, living a life that declares the hope and power [music] declares the hope and power [music] declares the hope and power [music] of God to the world. Be blessed, church. of God to the world. Be blessed, church. of God to the world. Be blessed, church. We love you guys. We'll see you next We love you guys. We'll see you next We love you guys. We'll see you next Sunday morning or this Wednesday night Sunday morning or this Wednesday night Sunday morning or this Wednesday night at Fuse.